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Wireless Overview

Last updated June 18, 2013 12:46:29 PM PDT
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Find out about UCSD's wireless data network.

Help us improve UCSD wireless!

Learn more about how to improve wireless in your area, or find out how to configure your Time Capsule or HP Printer so that it doesn't cause wireless interference.

Access for faculty, staff, and students: UCSD-PROTECTED

You can access UCSD's wireless data network in most buildings and many outdoor locations on campus and at SIO. UCSD Medical Center also offers a wireless service to its staff. Wireless networking encrypted with Wi-Fi Protected Access-Enterprise (WPA2-E) technology is required for faculty, staff, and students.  This service requires an Active Directory (AD) username and password and is mandatory starting Nov. 9, 2009.

Encrypted wireless connections make it more difficult for others to "listen in" on your wireless conversation. The service cannot encrypt your data through all the paths it travels, but it does offer a more secure connection.

To configure your laptop or phone for encrypted wireless, select your operating system:

To configure PDAs and other devices (including cameras, temperature sensors, etc.), try the encrypted wireless instructions above first if your device uses one of the operating systems listed.

If your device does not use the above operating systems, but has WPA-E or WPA2-E capabilities, try to access the "UCSD-PROTECTED" network using your Active Directory (AD) username and password and the instructions that came with your device.

If your device can't use WPA2-E, follow these instructions:

  1. Make certain your device can't use WPA2-E. Requests will be refused for devices that have WPA2-E capabilities. Devices that often qualify include digital cameras, signs, Nintendos/Sony Playstations, and printers. Devices that often do not qualify include iPhones, most recent Mac and Windows computers, and newer Androids and Blackberries — use the instructions above to access UCSD-PROTECTED or call the ACT Help Desk.
  2. Register your device with the UCSD hostmaster. Make sure to check this box: My device is UNABLE to use WPA-E/802.1x.
  3. After answering any followup questions, if your device qualifies, you will receive an e-mail confirmation from the UCSD hostmaster. You're now authorized to use the "UCSD-GUEST" wireless network without authenticating and without restriction.
  4. Configure your device with this information:
    • Network name/SSID: UCSD-GUEST
    • Mode: Infrastructure
    • Encryption: disabled

Access for guests: eduroam and UCSD-GUEST

UCSD provides two wireless networks for campus guests.  If your home institution is eduroam-enabled, you may use the eduroam network. If it is not, or you are not certain, you may use UCSD-GUEST.  Read instructions for connecting to the guest networks.

Eduroam access for UCSD personnel while travelling

If you are a UCSD faculty member, staff member or student, and you have a UCSD Active Directory username and password, you can use them to connect to wireless at eduroam-enabled institutions. Access the eduroam-US Web site for more information about eduroam and to see maps of eduroam member institutions.

To prepare for eduroam use while travelling, you must first, while at UCSD, select the eduroam SSID and follow the instructions for UCSD-PROTECTED for your operating system, substituting eduroam whenever the UCSD-PROTECTED SSID is specified. Make sure that your service works while on campus.

Once you have done this, if you can see the eduroam wireless network when you are visiting another institution, select eduroam.  When prompted, enter your UCSD AD username and @ucsd.edu — e.g. gbluefin@ucsd.edu — and your UCSD AD password to connect.

Test eduroam by connecting to the local eduroam network before you leave. Enter your UCSD AD username and @ucsd.edu — e.g. gbluefin@ucsd.edu — and your UCSD AD password to connect.

Security

For more information, see Wireless FAQ.

For assistance, contact the ACT Help Desk or bring your laptop/ PDA to the ACMS/ ACT Help Desk in the Applied Physics & Mathematics (AP&M) building, Room 1313 (map) weekdays between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.


Note: This page has a friendly link that’s easy to remember: http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/wireless

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ACT (Administrative Computing and Telecommunications)