Getting on the Public Network

Technology Services has deployed both wireless (WiFi) and wired (Ethernet) network that is available to persons with a University affiliation (students, faculty, staff and official guests). ITS Technology Services manages the network, and is responsible for the Public Network Authentication (PNA) system that provides access to it.

We benefit from 10 Gigabit-per-second uplinks to the campus network (UTnet) and the Internet, 1 Gigabit-per-second connections to our servers and student computer lab workstations, and hundreds of 100 Megabit-per-second circuits to every office, classroom and public area.

Instructions for using the PNA system

Look for the "UTnet Public Access Area" signs in a room to determine if Public Network access is available in a room. Even if there isn't a sign, it's likely you will be able to reach our wireless network.

The College of Communication has completed installation of an industry standard wireless network throughout the CMA Building. The CMB 4th floor is also covered. This network supports the "WiFi" standard (IEEE 802.11b "wireless Ethernet"), which is compatible with network offerings from most vendors today (Apple's AirPort, Cisco's AiroNet, Dell's TrueMobile, Lucent's WaveLAN/Orinoco, etc.). The College maintains over 70 compatible laptops that are used in "mobile classrooms" or individually. Now, they can operate these in every classroom or meeting/conference room in the building without the need to set up an ad hoc network. Students, faculty or staff with WiFi-equipped computers can roam about freely, having access to online resources without having to locate an active Ethernet port.

This network is identical to those found throughout the University campus.

CAN I USE MY EXISTING EQUIPMENT?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

You need a "WiFi" standard card. The above URL lists a number of tested models and brands which conform to this standard.

WILL IT WORK IN MY OFFICE?

Probably, but your Ethernet ports are MUCH faster and very reliable. Plus, you have to re-authenticate on the wireless network every 2 hours. Also, EVERYONE within one of the seven "wireless zones" shares the bandwidth of that zone. If one of the 20+ mobile labs is using your zone, you can essentially divide the available bandwidth by twenty.

WILL IT WORK ON THE PATIO?

Yes! A good to excellent signal is available up to about the middle of the patio. Grab a cup of coffee and imagine yourself in a Cybercafe!