UIUCnet Wireless Access
This page contains information about UIUCnet Wireless, the campus-wide wireless network, and its variations for guests, departments, and public areas.
Introduction
The University of Illinois provides several types of wireless network access in order to support a diverse community.
UIwpa2: secured, authenticated wireless access
UIwpa2 is a full-featured wireless network, with both authentication and security built into the wireless protocol itself. Once you've configured your computer to use UIwpa2, you'll be able to log in automatically, with no add-on services like QuickConnect or the VPN necessary.
What is UIwpa2 service best for?
- Your own computer or handheld device
Because UIwpa2 stores your personal identity (your NetID and password), you should not use UIwpa2 on computers and devices that aren't your own. UIwpa2 is primarily meant for computers that are either personally owned or provided to you by your University unit.
If you need to use UIwpa2 with a shared computer or device, make certain to delete your personal configuration before you return it. - Hassle-free connections with security built in
After the initial configuration process is complete, your computer stores your NetID and password and uses it to automatically reconnect to the UIwpa2 wireless network whenever you're in range. You won't be prompted for QuickConnect logins when you open a browser window, and you'll have the same type of wireless security that the campus VPN provides -- all with no extra software or login prompts. - Long-term campus network users
If you're going to be on campus for longer than a few days, you'll probably find it worth the time to perform the UIwpa2 configuration process.
If you're only visiting, you'll want to use either UIUCnet Wireless with a guest account, or UI Public Wireless without a guest account (in the locations where UI Public Wireless is available.) - Modern computers
Support for the WPA2 protocol was added to the Wi-Fi certification requirements in 2006. Therefore, most wireless-capable computers built since 2006 can use UIwpa2.
Some smartphones and handheld devices support the WPA2 protocol; others do not. The iPhone and iPod Touch can both be used with UIwpa2.
Search the Wi-Fi Alliance's Wi-Fi Certified Products page to see whether your system is Wi-Fi certified.
See UIwpa2 if this service is a good fit for you.
If you'd like further advice on choosing between UIUCnet Wireless and UIwpa2, see Should I Use WPA2 or UIUCnet Wireless?
UIUCnet Wireless: the starter service
UIUCnet Wireless is a simple wireless service that allows you to connect to the Internet with the assistance of add-on authentication tools like QuickConnect or the campus VPN.
What is UIUCnet Wireless best for?
- Getting the configuration directions for WPA2
Since the UIwpa2 network is secured, you'll need to connect to an open network like UIUCnet Wireless in order to get the UIwpa2 configuration directions for your system. - Campus guests with weekend accounts
If you're a campus guest with a guest account that expires in a few days, UIUCnet Wireless is simple to use. - Shared or borrowed computers
If the computer you're using isn't your own (for example, presenters or lecturers sharing a laptop at a conference), you won't want to add your personal NetID and password to the computer's UIwpa2 configuration. Use UIUCnet Wireless instead. - Older computers
If your computer or network card doesn't support the WPA2 wireless protocol, use UIUCnet Wireless instead. If your system was built before 2006, you can search the Wi-Fi Alliance's Wi-Fi Certified Products page to see whether your system is Wi-Fi certified. - Older operating systems
Operating systems older than Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Mac OS X don't support the WPA2 protocol used by the UIwpa2 network.
See Getting Started with UIUCnet Wireless if this service is a good fit for you.
If you'd like further advice on choosing between UIUCnet Wireless and UIwpa2, see Should I Use WPA2 or UIUCnet Wireless?
UI Public Wireless: for campus visitors
UI Public Wireless is the only campus network service available without either a NetID or a guest ID. The UI Public Wireless network is provided in a few campus and community locations where non-University-affiliated people are likely to visit. After filling out an informational form and agreeing to the terms of service, you can use the UI Public Wireless service for a short time.
What is UI Public Wireless best for?
- Short-term use by campus visitors
Campus visitors who don't have guest accounts can use UI Public Wireless according to its terms of service.
Because some services (like access to the campus email systems) are not available from the UI Public Wireless service, University-affiliated people with NetIDs should use either UIUCnet Wireless or UIwpa2 instead.
iPhone and iPod Touch configuration
With a University-specific WPA2 configuration profile, iPhone and iPod Touch users can access the campus wireless network seamlessly. See the iPhone/iPod Touch configuration page for more information.
Locations
Although not all campus buildings have wireless coverage, the list is growing every week. You can search an alphabetical list or view a campus map for locations in your area.
If you see a sign like these, you're in a UIUCnet Wireless area.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
If you have any problems getting connected or staying connected, the FAQs and Troubleshooting pages provide assistance with getting connected to UIUCnet Wireless through either the VPN or UIUCnet QuickConnect.
For administrators and departments
The UIUCnet Wireless Documentation for Administrators includes information on applying for new wireless installations, supporting existing installations, the history and future of UIUCnet Wireless, and more.
Note on terminology:
The UIUCnet Wireless service provides wireless data networking. Consequently, in this section of the website, the terms wireless or UIUCnet Wireless do not describe telephone-based communication or using an infrared port to connect to a printer in the same room.