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Wireless Information

FAQ:

1. How do I quick connect to IUN's wireless service?
2. Who can use IUN's wireless service?
3. What type of wireless technology does IUN use?
4. What are some of the things that can affect the performance of my wireless connection?
5. What is a 5 minute linger?
6. What should I do if I am experiencing problems while connected to the wireless network?
7. What should I know about the security resources for IUN's wireless network?
8. With a Pocket PC 2002 device at IU, why can't I browse the Web using the Pocket Internet Explorer and the Pocket VPN client?

1. How do I quick connect to IUN's wireless service? (non-VPN)

To make a quick wireless connection you will need to do the following:

1. Place laptop in the area of one of the active wireless locations listed below.
2. Select the strongest wireless signal
3. Open web browser.
4. Click 'yes' when asked if you want to accept the security certificate.
5. Login with network I.D. and password through main IUN wireless web page or VPN 42.0.0.1
   

Active Wireless Locations

2. Who can use IUN's wireless service?

Visiting IU faculty, staff, and students can connect to a remote IU VPN server using the network names listed below:

3. What type of wireless technology does IUN use?

IUN employs 802.11b (11M) and 802.11g (52M) combination wireless access points.

4. What are some of the things that can affect the performance of my wireless connection?

Some items that affect performance and reduce bandwidth include:

• User quantity (each WAP can technically service 128 users)
• Distance between wireless device and the wireless access point.
• Various physical obstructions; trees, reflective material, etc.
• Mixed 802.11b and 802.11g wireless devices.
• High bandwidth applications (massive file transfers, peer-to-peer, etc.)

5. What is a 5 minute linger?

If the wireless device powers down or leaves the IUN wireless network longer than 5 minutes, the user must logon or VPN again. The purpose of the 5 minute linger function is to preserve network resources. If a device sits idle on the network, it is using up memory and other key resources that can decrease performance for other users.

6. What should I do if I am experiencing problems while connected to the wireless network?

If you are having connectivity issues, try resolving the problem by following these three steps in the order that they are presented:

1. Reboot your machine and try connecting to the network by following the quick connection instructions above.
2. If step one does not work, then visit kb.iu.edu and search for "wireless."
3. If you are still having problems with your connection, please call ext. 4357 or visit Raintree Hall room 204.

7. What should I know about the security resources for IUN's wireless network?

IUN attempts to balance wireless security and speed. The wireless user may choose to use "Maximum security with 20% reduced speed" or "Reduced security with maximum speed."

VPN 42.0.0.1: Maximum Security With 20% Reduced Speed (Full Internet)

• Method: Open a VPN pptp client session to IP address 42.0.0.1 (see operating system help files for VPN client setup information).
• Advantages: All data packets are encrypted regardless of the web application's ability to encrypt.
• Disadvantages: The VPN encryption reduces bandwidth speed. Roaming is not available. New wireless users must educate themselves about VPN technology.

User Login: Reduced Security, Maximum Speed (Full Internet)

• Method: Uses the wireless "User Login" web page with a valid network username and password.
• Advantages: Fastest load times. Roaming enabled. Security rests with the application's encryption (https, SSL, secure shell, secure ftp). Secured IU applications include ONESTART, web Outlook, and many others.
• Disadvantages: Hackers may snoop the wireless airwaves and capture information. If the web application is not properly secured (e.g., http), important information could be compromised. On the other hand, if the web application is properly secured (e.g., https), compromises are highly unlikely.

SECURITY NOTE: Wireless technology and hacker abilities are constantly improving and changing. For the best security, always choose VPN. On the other hand, IUN desires to make wireless networking accessible. If you are a new IUN wireless user, logon with "User Login." As you become more knowledgeable about wireless and security, switch to VPN.

8. With a Pocket PC 2002 device at IU, why can't I browse the Web using the Pocket Internet Explorer and the Pocket VPN client?

From (http://kb.iu.edu)
Due to a design flaw, Pocket Internet Explorer will not work with VPN connections when trying to view Web pages.  The problem is that Pocket Internet connections Explorer will only use the VPN connection when making HTTP requests within the VPN server’s own domain, which at Indiana University is indiana.edu or iupui.edu.  When requesting a Web page outside the VPN server’s domain (i.e., out side or indiana.edu or iupui.edu), Pocket Internet Explorer tries to bypass the VPN connection, causing the request to fail.  Other network troubleshooting resources also indicate that the Pocket PC VPN client was designed to work only with a Microsoft VPN server.

Currently, you have to install a third-party browser such a NetFront or ThunderHawk to browse the Web while using a VPN connection.

LOGON WIRELESS STATUS:
1. http://1.1.1.1