Instructions for connecting to the wireless network are different depending upon which SSID (network name) you want to connect to: UMASS-SECURE1X (recommended) or UMASS.

OIT administers and supports two SSIDs (also known as network names) on the campus wireless network: UMASS-SECURE1X and UMASS. Other SSIDs are not supported by OIT and are considered interfering networks because they may pose security risks and slow down speed of the network.

The main difference is security. UMASS-SECURE1X uses 802.1x authentication and encryption, which adds a layer of security to your connection. In addition, you can configure your UMASS-SECURE1X connection to log-in automatically every time you start your computer.

UMASS is the unencrypted, less secure, way to connect to the wireless network. To connect, you must log in through a Web browser with your NetID and password. OIT will slowly be restricting the use of the UMASS SSID.

To access the network, you need to be in area that has wireless coverage and you need to have the following:

• An OIT Account: To log in to the network, you will need your NetID and password. If you do not have an OIT Account, please come to OIT Account Management in A113 LGRC (M-F, 8:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.) with your UCard.
• A Device with a WiFi-Certified Adapter: Most modern laptops and even some desktops come with these adapters built-in. If your device does not have one, you can purchase them at most computer and office supply retailers.
  Note: Although mobile phones and other portable devices may be capable of connecting to the campus wireless network, OIT does not support these devices. Bluetooth and non-WiFi-Certified wireless devices are not compatible with our wireless network.
  
• 802.1x Authentication Software: To connect using the UMASS-SECURE1X SSID, you must first configure client software, also known as a supplicant, on your computer or other wireless device. Windows users can download a pre-configured version of SecureW2, OIT's supported client, at no cost. Mac users must configure the software that comes with their operating systems; no extra software is required. See our UMASS-SECURE1X configuration instructions for more information.

Yes. You can connect to the wireless network with an 802.11b adapter as long as it is WiFi-Certified.

Check the WiFi Alliance's lists of certified devices and adapters or refer to your device's documentation or specifications.

Yes. Faculty and staff members can create temporary accounts for their guests so that they can log in to the wireless network for up to three (3) days. Guests must log in using the UMASS SSID. See our Guest Wireless Accounts page for more information. Note: Students cannot create guest accounts at this time.

To find a wireless coverage area near you, download our wireless coverage map (pdf) or view a list of buildings where wireless is available.Note: Both UMASS and UMASS-SECURE1X are available wherever there is coverage.

OIT is currently working to provide wireless coverage throughout all academic and administrative buildings on campus. For more information, see our Wireless Coverage Expansion Project page.

Wireless is currently only available in the North Residential Area. OIT is exploring the feasibility of installing wireless in other residence halls, and is currently testing a 'wireless-only' environment in Butterfield Hall.

Contact the OIT Help Desk (545-9400, M-F, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm) to request that OIT speed up wireless deployment in your department’s building(s).

The campus wireless network is a shared resource; its performance depends greatly on the load placed on it by users. Because network speed and availability over wireless may vary, we recommend that you use the wired network as much as possible, especially when working on important projects or during high-traffic times (e.g., finals or emergencies). The wireless network should not be treated as a substitute for the wired network, especially for administrative purposes or for high-stakes academic computing (e.g., sensitive research or work with confidential information).

For most networked services (e.g., UMail and SPIRE) you will see no difference between the wired and wireless networks. However, some services will not work or are not supported when accessed over the wireless network:

• Shared resources and printers: You may not be able to access shared resources (e.g., file servers) and printers using the wireless network.
• Bandwidth-intensive services: OIT does not support the use of applications and services that consume large amounts of bandwidth on the wireless network. These services, which include streaming video, video conferencing, and large file transfers, cannot run reliably over a shared medium such as the wireless network.
• Active Directory: If you log in to your computer using the OIT Active Directory, you may not be able to do so using the wireless network. The following domains are part of the OIT Active Directory: Advancement, Provost, RESUO, SARIS, AdminFin, and OIT.

No. In accordance with our Wireless Airspace Policy, interfering wireless access points, i.e., access points not managed by OIT, will be disabled. These access points pose serious security risks and slow down the entire network.

Our wireless access points operate in the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies. If you're worred about interference, we recommend that you purchase a DECT 6.0 cordless phone.

No. Also known as Network Bridging, opening multiple connections to the campus network may interfere with network stability and your wireless reception. If your computer has both wired and wireless capability, make sure it is not configured for network bridging (or Internet Connection Sharing). Remember that you can use only one connection at a time. Ethernet jacks on campus are set up to automatically shut off once they detect network bridging. Learn how to disable multiple network connections and turn off network bridging.

No. Your wireless card will automatically detect the channels available in your area, and select the channel that provides the best wireless reception. Note: You cannot manually select or change wireless channels when using the campus wireless network.

You need to log in to the campus wireless network through a Web browser (UMASS) or have set up your UMASS-SECURE1X connection before you can access the Internet or use non-browser software, including email clients (e.g., Thunderbird or Apple Mail) and SFTP programs (e.g., WinSCP or Fetch).

Here are some things you can do if you have a faulty or slow wireless connection:

• Connect from a different location. Signal strength varies depending upon location. For example, the stacks in the Libraries and areas where microwaves or cordless phones are present may have limited or no coverage.
• Update your device’s wireless drivers (see manufacturer’s instructions for details).
• Limit your activity to those that are less bandwidth intensive (e.g., checking your email, viewing a Web page).

If you are experiencing an intermittent or slow connection in an area listed as having full wireless coverage, contact the OIT Help Desk to report the issue.

If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
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Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.