Should I Use WPA2 or UIUCnet Wireless?

This page helps you decide whether you should use the UIUCnet Wireless network or the UIwpa2 network.

About the UIUCnet Wireless network:

It's available in any building with a 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.
It's a fully released, fully supported service for all campus users and their guests.

It's only available in some buildings (those with Meru access points). If your computer doesn't show a network named UIwpa2 in the list of available wireless networks, then you won't be able to connect from that 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 2004 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.
Because it's encrypted and requires specific wireless cards and system patches, making your first connection will be more difficult than with UIUCnet Wireless.
Since the WPA2 protocol provides both security and authentication, neither UIUCnet QuickConnect nor the CITES VPN are required.
Since most guest accounts and passwords expire in a couple of days, guests won't benefit from its single sign on configuration as much as campus users will.

If you're:

Confident in your computer configuration skills
Running a newer operating system with WPA2 support provided in both the system and your wireless network card
In a location from which UIwpa2 is listed among the available wireless networks
Interested in a connection method with fewer connection steps after the initial configuration is complete (UIwpa2 doesn't require QuickConnect or the VPN after it's been set up)

then you may be a good candidate for UIwpa2.