Wireless Networking
Wireless access to the internet is available in most areas of campus. If your computer has a wireless interface, you can use it to check email or browse the web in these areas, in accordance with our policy for wireless access. If you would like to suggest a new wireless spot on campus, see our Suggest a New Wireless Location page.
If you would like to learn about other methods of connecting to the University network besides wirelessly, read the Connect to the University Network Tip Sheet. For information about connecting to the network from on campus, IP addressing, and jack activation, see Network Connectivity On Campus. For off-campus methods of connecting to the University of Chicago network, see Network Connectivity From Off-Campus.
NSIT Data Networking has implemented an authentication system to be used with IEEE 802.11b wireless access points on the main campus. Along with this authentication system, NSIT is deploying wireless access points in common areas on campus. In addition, NSIT is working with departments to deploy wireless access points and secure them using NSIT's common authentication solution. The wireless infrastructure technology chosen is one of several existing and developing technologies vying for acceptance as "The Standard". Our current choice of authentication technology and the IEEE 802.11b standard is easy to use, but is a shared effective 6Mbps medium with limited address space and bandwidth.
Wireless Acceptable Use
The University of Chicago Wireless Data Infrastructure has been designed and implemented as an adjunct to the existing wired data network. The wireless network should NOT be employed as one's primary network connection. The purpose of this wireless infrastructure is to permit access to the Data Network in areas not readily serviceable by wired infrastructure, such as lobbies, large open study areas, and certain out-of-doors areas.Wireless, like other networking, may not be used in ways that deprive others of their fair share. All wireless access should be in conformance with the Eligibility and Acceptable Use Policy. The wireless network is optimal for light and brief network access needs, e.g. reading email or web browsing. Examples of suboptimal usage which may degrade other wireless users performance include large file transfers, data serving, or extended connections(1). These activities would better be accomplished on the wired network or during wireless non peak usage hours (6pm - 8am).
(1) The wireless network assigns IP addresses from a limited pool of numbers. If a user authenticates to the wireless network and then simply does not use the network, the IP number is unavailable to be assigned to other users. If all the numbers are assigned other users are denied access. For this reason, we ask users to connect only when they are actively using the network.
Support Level
Support for the wireless infrastructure is provided during normal business hours, 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, with response being secondary to service on our wired network.
Resident Halls and Commons Personal Wireless Device Policy
Beginning in Fall 2004, NSIT has initiated a new policy regarding the installation of personal wireless devices in the Residence Halls and Commons. To view the policy click here.
Important Wireless Security Information
Wireless networking is inherently insecure. Any time you send or receive data over wireless, it is "sniffable" by anyone who can receive the signals it transmits over radio waves. This problem can be eliminated if all of your network traffic involving sensitive information is encrypted. This means you should not use telnet and ftp, for example. Instead, you should use ssh and scp, which encrypt the information at the laptop and transmit it to the final destination encrypted. NSIT and many department servers and workstations offer these secure services. NSIT email requires encrypted authentication to protect logon passwords, but the messages themselves are not encrypted. Most websites which require you to pass confidential information use SSL encryption, depending on the browser you use. A picture of a lock or other indicator will be present on your browser screen when the communication is encrypted.
Table of Contents
- Using the Wireless Network - Setting up a wireless connection on your computer
- Residence Halls and Commons Wireless Networking Policy - Policy regarding wireless devices in the residence halls
- Suggest a New Wireless Location - Suggest a new wireless spot on campus
Last updated: 10/9/08