I hear there is a new wireless service named, MWireless, on campus. When did that happen?
The new name or (Service Set Identifier or SSID), MWireless, was made available to campus during the summer in 2008.
Isn't the UM Wireless Network SSID already in many places? Why should I use this new SSID?
UM Wireless Network, provided by ITCS, is available in many locations on campus. MWireless is available in the same locations. MWireless provides a more secure wireless connection as all of the data between your laptop and the Access Point is encrypted. When using UM Wireless Network just your uniqname and password is encrypted during the login process.
What is the difference in the login procedure for the two SSIDs?
To login in to MWireless, you will need to install special software on your laptop. University of Michigan students, faculty and staff can download this software from the U-M Blue Disc web site. You will use this software to login with your U-M uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password.
To login in to UM Wireless Network, launch a web browser then type your U-M uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password in the appropriate login boxes.
Is the installation automated?
The Windows and Mac OS X 10.5 installers are completely automated. Due to Mac OS X 10.4 design issues, it is not possible to fully automate the Mac installation process for machines with these Operating Systems. If your Mac uses one of these Operating Systems, you will need to complete two steps manually.
What are the system requirements to use the software needed for MWireless on a Windows laptop?
Windows XP Requirements:
Microsoft Windows hotfix, Wireless Client Update for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 must be installed on your laptop.
The MWireless installer requires that you use Windows Wireless Zero Config to manage your wireless network. If your laptop uses something other than Windows Wireless Zero Config to manage your wireless connections, you must disable that software to use the MWireless installer or install the software manually.
Wireless card that supports 802.1X/WPA2
Some wireless devices do not support WPA2 or may require an update of the wireless card driver, an add-on card, or an external adapter. You can contact the vendor to determine 802.1X/WPA2 compatibility or check the WiFi Alliance web site.
What are the system requirements to use the software needed to use MWireless on a MAC laptop?
OS 10.4 or later.
Why won't the Wireless Network Configuration tool work on my...?
...MAC
- Make sure that you have Mac OS X 10.4 or above.
...Windows
- Verify that the Hotfix is installed and that you do not have software other than Windows Zero Config managing your wireless connections.
...Linux
- Due to the many variations of Linux distributions, it is not an operating system that is supported. While it will work, you will have to find the software that will work for your distribution and wireless device. Below are some links that may be of help.
...iPhone and iPod touch
- Currently the software for the iPhone and iPod touch is not supported by ITCS. If you are having difficulty please send a message to um.wireless.network@umich.edu
Is there a wireless configuration wizard for Windows XP?
To set up your laptop for the wireless network, download the MWireless Installer from the U-M Blue Disc web site.
The installer automatically enters the appropriate configuration settings to your Windows XP SP2 or Vista wireless client. Specifically the tool:
- Creates a new wireless network with the SSID of "MWireless"
- Sets Network Authentication to "WPA2"
- Sets Data Encryption to "AES"
- Configures the client to use "SecureW2 EAP-TTLS" authentication.
By using the wizard instead of manual configuration, you can greatly lower the chance of making mistakes that would prevent you from accessing the wireless network.
What is WPA2?
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) is the most recent standard method to provide security on wireless networks. WPA2 is based on the IEEE 802.11i standard. It uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which provides the strongest level of encryption today.
What is IEEE and what does it have to do with wireless?
IEEE stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. It is a developer of industry standards in a broad-range of global industries. 802.11 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communication, developed by IEEE committees in the 5 Gigahertz (GHz) and 2.4 GHz public spectrum bands.
Will the UM Wireless Network SSID go away?
No, it will remain. Its main purpose will be to support guests, first time users, users with older equipment or equipment for which the needed software does not exist.
Aren't wireless networks inherently insecure?
Yes, wireless networks are inherently insecure. All of the data can be intercepted anywhere the radio signals used to transmit data can be heard.
What is the most secure way to connect to the wireless network at the University of Michigan?
When you are on campus, you use MWireless where available. If an IEEE 802.11i software is not available for your wireless device, you can use the U-M VPN client when using a wireless network. Note, if you are using a wireless network provided by someone other than ITCS you may need to first login to the network and then launch the U-M VPN client.
What should I do to increase the security of my laptop and data?
There are many things you can do. Following the recommendations of the Information Technology Security Services (ITSS) and the ITCS Virus Busters' Some Computer Security Recommendations will help you increase the security of both your laptop and the data on it.
Do most commonly used applications have built in security?
Commonly used applications, such as SSH, HTTPS and SCP provide built in security. However, other commonly used applications, such as ftp, standard POP and IMAP mail, telnet, and any web site that has a URL which starts with http:// (no s) do not. Take care not to send or receive sensitive or confidential data when using these unprotected applications.
Where is wireless connectivity available on the University of Michigan campus?
MWireless and UM Wireless Network locations, as well as information about other wireless networks available on campus, can be found on the ITCom web site.
When you click on a building in which a wireless network exists, you will find information about the wireless network(s) in that building. Buildings in which the MWireless and UM Wireless Network SSIDs are available are colored blue. When you click on a blue building, you will see a list of the building floors. Select a floor and you will see specific locations where the MWireless and UM Wireless Network SSIDs are available on that floor. (Note: MWireless will be available in all of the same locations as UM Wireless Network by the end of fall term 2008.)
Why are some parts of the floor maps colored blue and some colored maize?
Areas colored blue have an 802.11a/b/g/n network and areas colored maize have an 802.11a/b/g or 802.11b/g network.
What is the difference between 802.11 a/b/g/n and 802.11 a/b/g?
The difference is the amount of throughput. 802.11n represents an approximate 4x leap in wireless network throughput performance as compared to an 802.11a/g network. This improves the user experience and also enables new applications to use the wireless network and/or high user densities, such as in large auditoriums and lecture halls. In order to take maximum advantage of an 802.11a/b/g/n at the U-M, the wireless card in your device must include 802.11n in the 5 GHz band. Some devices have 802.11n capabilities only in the 2.4 GHz band. If that is the case your device will simply connect at an 802.11 a/b/g level.
What is the VPN?
Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to connect to U-M networks using a software client that provides a secure 128-bit level of encryption. This prevents unwanted users from eavesdropping on your connection. When connecting to a U-M network from a remote location, hardwired or wireless, you should use a VPN to increase the security of your session.
When do I need to use MWireless versus the VPN?
Use MWireless to connect to ITCS provided wireless network on U-M's Ann Arbor campus.
Use the U-M VPN when you are connecting to a U-M network from a remote location, using either a wireless or wired network. You can also use the U-M VPN when connecting to a wireless network on campus that is not provided by ITCS. Note, you may first need to authenticate to the wireless network and then launch the VPN client on your laptop.
How do I get the VPN client?
Information and client software is available on the U-M VPN web site.
Is my computer protected from malicious software while using the campus wireless network?
While the MWireless network is encrypted, it does not prevent malicious software such as viruses and spyware from attacking your machine. It is strongly recommended that you maintain anti-virus software on your machine. This can be obtained from U-M Virus Busters.
Can I print from MWireless and UM Wireless Network?
Yes, you can print from a computer connected to UM Wireless Network. mPrint allows you to upload PDF, PostScript and text documents via an authenticated web interface and print to charged-for printers across campus.
