Wireless Initiative
The University of Chicago Wireless Network
NSIT Data Networking has implemented an authentication system to be used with IEEE 802.11b/g wireless access points on the main campus. Along with this authentication system, NSIT is deploying wireless access points with the intent to provide service to most of campus. Our current choice of authentication technology and the IEEE 802.11b/g 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, conference rooms 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 conform with the Eligibility and Acceptable Use Policy. This policy can be viewed online here: http://www.uchicago.edu/docs/policies/eaup/. 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 be better accomplished on the wired network or during wireless non-peak usage hours (6 p.m. - 8 a.m.).
(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, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with response being secondary to service on our wired network.
Suggest a New Wireless Location
NSIT is taking suggestions for locations around campus to deploy wireless networking. To make a suggestion, visit the Suggest a New Wireless Location section at http://wireless.uchicago.edu.
Important Wireless Security Information
Wireless networking is inherently insecure. Any time you send or receive wireless data, 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 on 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.
Requirements
You Need:
- A notebook computer or other Internet-enabled device
- An 802.11b/g 11 Mbps compliant network adapter
- The built-in wireless cards in Dell and Apple computers sold by Campus Computer Stores are recommended and supported by the NSIT Support Line. Linksys and Cisco wireless cards, also available from CCS, are recommended if you need a plug-in option. Many other 802.11b/g or WiFi certified cards should operate properly, e.g. DLink and Intel.
- A 128 bit encryption-capable web browser (See http://connectivity.uchicago.edu.)
- CNetID and CNet password
Using the System
Depending on your operating system and the vendor of your wireless card, the exact procedures for setting the following information will vary.
- Make sure the wireless interface is set to be configured via DHCP.
- Boot up in range of the wireless network.
- Open web browser and go to any website.
- You will be automatically redirected to a login page.
- Log in with your CNetID and CNet password. (If your browser disables pop-up windows, you may see an error message as the system attempts to open one. You can safely ignore this message.)
- Once you have authenticated, you may access the network through any TCP/IP application (web browser, ssh client, mail client, etc).
The connection should stay active until your laptop goes out of range or is shut down, rebooted, or put to sleep. Note that if you are moving between wireless networks (e.g. between a home wireless network and the campus wireless network), you should reboot your machine each time you change networks. This ensures that your machine will act appropriately for the network it is on.
Getting Help
For further assistance with the University of Chicago Wireless Data Network, please contact NSIT Technical Support at (773) 834-TECH (8324), support@uchicago.edu, or visit their website at: http://support.uchicago.edu.
