1. UWyo – recommended wireless network for UW students, faculty, and staff
    
   UWyo utilizes IEEE 802.1x and WPA.  This means that the user’s authentication is very secure and all data that transits the wireless network is encrypted.  Users authenticate via their normal UWYO username and password.  Once properly configured, users can access the wireless network automatically without having to enter a username or password or having to select any preferences.  This is as convenient as plugging into a hard wired port.  See How to Connect to the UW Wireless Network Via UWyo or uwpeap(www.uwyo.edu/askit/displaydoc.asp?askitdocid=1769&parentid=1).
    
2. UWguest – recommended wireless network for UW guests 
    
   UWguest is an open network.  Users authenticate by entering their e-mail address on a captive portal Web page.  Once authenticated, users can access the public data network but cannot access private UW resources (resources that are behind the UW firewall) unless they subsequently create a VPN connection back into UW.  Data is not encrypted unless users establish a VPN connection.  For example, visiting professors are encouraged to create a VPN session back to their home institution. 

See the UW Wireless Locations map(www.uwyo.edu/infotech/wireless/map.htm) for current wireless coverage at UW.

In order to use the UWyo wireless connection on Microsoft Windows, you must be running at least Windows XP with Service Pack 2. Operating systems prior to Windows XP Service Pack 2 do not support the automatic retrieval of the network key which is necessary for a successful connection.

This message appears when connecting to the UWguest wireless connection on the UW wireless network. On the UWguest network, UW does not use WEP or WPA to authenticate or encrypt data traffic. Authentication is performed by the wireless gateway when you are prompted to log on. In order for your data to be encrypted, you can instead connect via the following methods:  

1. Utilize the UWyo wireless connection. See How to Connect to the UW Wireless Network via UWyo (www.uwyo.edu/askit/displaydoc.asp?askitdocid=1769&parentid=1).
    
2. Utilize the UW VPN. See the UW VPN Web site (www.uwyo.edu/vpn). 

Most computer vendors now carry wireless interface cards (WICs). There are several locations in Laramie that now offer inexpensive WICs.

UW employs both 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a wireless radios. The 802.11b radios provide 11Mb/sec shared throughput at 2.4GHz . The 802.11g radios provide 54Mb/sec of shared throughput also at 2.4GHz. The 802.11a radios provide 54Mb/sec of  shared throughput at 5GHz.

Beginning in the fall semester of 2007, Information Technology will be upgrading and expanding the campus wireless data network.  IEEE 802.11b/g will be available in all wireless campus locations.  IEEE 802.11a will also be offered in areas with high usage or interference in the 802.11b/g frequency range.

The primary reason for utilizing enterprise-class access points is the ability to provide detailed management at the access point as well as provide all the available features that are most often not available on consumer-grade access points. These include multiple SSIDs, QOS (Quality of Service), VoIP (Voice over IP), and seamless roaming between subnets. Without these features, the future of wireless at UW would be limited.

The short answer to this is yes. The long answer is that some PDAs have been tested and verified as being able to work with the wireless network and others have not. Testing has verified PDA compatibility with the campus wireless network; however, there are a few caveats. Be aware that Information Technology does not directly support any PDA products or software for use on the wireless or any other portion of the UW campus network.

Yes. Because of security and management issues, all wireless access points installed on the UW data network are required to be registered and approved for use by Information Technology. Numerous problems arise when unplanned and/or improperly configured wireless access points are connected to the University network.  

One of the main concerns with unregistered access points is security. To a large extent, the security of access points depends on the configuration of the hard-wired network jack to which those points connect. Therefore, it is important that all wireless access points connect to the network through a data port specifically configured to accommodate them.

Improperly configured access points disrupt network access to wireless network users within the signal range of the mis-configured unit. In some cases this problem has even disrupted network service to wired users. Also, wireless access points must be configured to use frequency spectrums that do not conflict with other wireless units in the same general area. Without central management and registration of wireless access points, the UW wireless network will not function properly. Consequently, all unregistered (“rogue”) wireless access points will be disconnected from the network.

To register new wireless access points, go to the Wireless Access Point Registration Form (www.uwyo.edu/infotech/wireless/wap_request.htm) on the UW Wireless Web site.

No. Wireless network security is not deemed adequate for network servers.