Wireless Refresh
The University is using Aruba equipment for the next cycle of wireless refresh. After an extensive evaluation, ITS selected Aruba Networks as the preferred vendor to meet UNCG's wireless network requirements most effectively at the best price. Upgrading the campus wireless network allows ITS to design a long-term sustainable wireless network that operates as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.
Academic buildings and a few other buildings on campus have been identified as Phase I or Phase II buildings; these buildings will have the new wireless networking equipment installed by the end of June 2008. Remaining buildings will be scheduled as funding becomes available. Ultimately, the wireless network will be expanded to provide ubiquitous, full campus coverage.
Expected Impacts
During the scheduled upgrade for a given building, wireless service may be interrupted occasionally as access points are being replaced. For information about when each building is scheduled for an upgrade, read the Wireless Refresh Schedule.
For the Aruba wireless offering, there will be two SSIDs presented in the air:
- UNCG-Visitor
The UNCG-Visitor network is an open, unsecured network with bandwidth limitations and is intended for use by UNCG guests. Access is restricted to basic Internet use only. Access is denied to any sensitive UNCG systems.
- UNCG-FacultyStaffStudent
The UNCG-Faculty/Staff/Student network is only accessible via 802.1X authentication and once authenticated, the traffic is encrypted. Access is available to the same set of services as the current wired network. To obtain access to this encrypted network, wireless clients will be required to configure their workstations for 802.1X authentication.