About the IllinoisNet secure wireless network:

• Because it's encrypted and requires specific, manual configuration steps, you'll have to follow the configuration directions for your operating system before you can connect.
• You only have to configure your computer once. After you've completed your first connection, your computer will be able to automatically re-connect whenever it detects a IllinoisNet wireless signal.
• The WPA2 protocol provides both security and authentication. You don't need any additional services (like VPN or QuickConnect) in order to receive full network access.
• If your computer doesn't show a network named IllinoisNet in the list of available wireless networks, then you won't be able to connect from your current location.
• Not all computers with a wireless card will be able to connect to it. Both your wireless card and your computer system need to be able to handle the encryption method it uses.
  • If you have an older operating system (prior to Windows XP SP 2 or Mac OS X), then you won't be able to connect.
  • If you have Windows XP SP 2, you'll need to install a Microsoft patch before you'll be able to connect. See the Windows XP instructions for details.
  • If you have a wireless card that was manufactured in 2006 or earlier, you probably won't be able to connect. If your wireless card was manufactured more recently, it may or may not support WPA2 encryption; check your manufacturer's documentation for details.
• Since most guest accounts and passwords expire in a couple of days, most guests won't benefit as much as University-affiliated users will.
• Guests with advanced access needs (such as a corporate VPN off campus) will benefit from IllinoisNet.
• For guests who only need simple Internet access such as web browsing, UIUCnet Wireless or the UI Public Wireless networks will suffice.
• Since the IllinoisNet configuration stores your personal login information in the computer it's entered in, IllinoisNet is not the best choice for borrowed computers (for example, shared office, workgroup, or lab laptops, or systems being used temporarily for presentations).

About the UIUCnet Wireless network:

• It's available in any building with a campus wireless installation.
• Any computer with a wireless card can connect to it.
• It's not encrypted and doesn't require special wireless cards or system patches, so it's easy to connect to.
• Other software -- either UIUCnet QuickConnect or the CITES VPN -- is used to control network access. You'll have to sign in to one of these two services separately.
• You'll have to type in your NetID (or guest ID) and password every time you use it.
• Since it doesn't store your personal information, you can use this service with borrowed computers (for example, shared office, workgroup, or lab laptops, or systems being used temporarily for presentations).

Which should I use?

If you're:

• Using your own computer or handheld device
• Running a newer operating system with WPA2 support provided in both the system and your wireless network card
• In a location from which IllinoisNet is listed among the available wireless networks
• Looking for a way to sign on once and have your computer remember the connection

then you should use the IllinoisNet secure wireless network.