Being the "wireless and web guy" has brought something to my attention. People don’t know anything about AirNet! AirNet is what we call the wireless infrastructure on campus. So, let’s hold hands and dive into the wonderful world of AirNet.
How AirNet Works (Mac/PC):
It’s helpful to understand a little bit of how AirNet works in order to diagnose problems down the road. AirNet is an open wireless access point. Open as in, anyone within range can connect to it. AirNet does not require a connection password, not in the same way traditional access points do. When connected to AirNet, the user is limited to loading sites which relate to getting authenticated on AirNet. (i.e. the AirNet Welcome Page the user sees in a browser shortly after connecting)
We do not set up a password in order to make sure everyone can see the Welcome Page. At the Welcome Page, we separate those who are AirNet veterans from those who are new to it.
Here is what some of these terms mean:
Connection: Being within the range of an AirNet access point. This results in a successful wireless transmission between the wireless device and the AirNet access point.
Authentication: Refers to being identified on the AirNet network as an authorized user through the use of a NetID and password.
To Summarize:
1. Anyone that is within range can connect to AirNet
2. Once connected, the only accessible Web page is the AirNet Welcome Page
3. Finally, the user will fall under one of three categories:
- Student, faculty or staff member who knows what is required to get online through AirNet
- Student, faculty or staff member who is new to the system and needs some help getting authenticated
- Someone who is not a student, faculty or staff member and is looking for a free ride. (Not happening on our watch!)
The AirNet Welcome Page
This will be the first page a new AirNet user will see when opening their web browser. Here the user can get more information on AirNet, log on to AirNet and also download the AirNet Client. Using the AirNet Welcome Page to log on is not recommended as it only grants the user partial access; the AirNet Client is a better option.
The AirNet Client
The AirNet Client is a small program that can be downloaded from the AirNet Welcome Page. This program allows the user to get authenticated without having to run into the AirNet Welcome Page. This gives the user two advantages: faster authentication and full network access (more on this below).
Partial Network Access vs. Full Network Access
Partial network access is what you are granted when using the Welcome Page to get authenticated. What this means to the user is that only the web browser is allowed online; the rest of the user’s machine is offline. Therefore, other programs like AOL Instant Messenger may not work. The user can get full access through the AirNet Client.
So, there you have it. Happy surfing!
Sounds like a good system. Perhaps you should have a guest or visitor login for legitimate non-staff/students. Maybe post the guest access login credentials on campus so that moochers would have to actually walk somewhere to get the login. Most would be too lazy.
Of course, block IM and the like.
Good info…. thanks for the news
I can use my new mac pro with this wifi
I’m also a campus guy and now working to optmize my Website , But I have heard the Wireless is less secure than the LAN, and in my campus, they usually find the security holes in the wireless network
Maybe post the guest access login credentials on campus so that moochers would have to actually walk somewhere to get the login
Sounds like a great system. You explain it very well.
Good post, I just found this blog and will have to return. Keep up the good posting.
I like the concept of wireless networks. BUT I feel uncomfortable using them since that opens a lot of security risks.
Another reason I shy away from them is that I prefer the higher speed of wired networks.
Nice to know you are having wi-fi access!
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thank you
It’s awesome that you’re leading the way with great wi-fi access!
Very nice articles thank you
This result points towards the necessity of having face-to-face interaction information in order to have a full view of the network.
Interesting information !!! I’ve just found your blog, and am enjoying what I’ve read so far.
Thanks
Simple guide for connecting to AirNet using Ubuntu Linux (concepts work for other distributions, commands may be different)
http://mysbfiles.stonybrook.edu/~aosterho/airnet_on_linux.htm