NU Campus Wireless Network Upgraded for User Convenience

Beginning July 17, 2006, on-campus wireless users will have more convenient access to the Northwestern University wireless network. NUIT has upgraded all wireless access points on the Evanston and Chicago campuses to support the WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) and 802.1X standards. The upgraded network has a new SSID (Service Set Identifier), Northwestern.

As a result of the upgrade, campus wireless connections to the NU Network will no longer require VPN (Virtual Private Networking). However, some University systems may still require the use of VPN.

What is 802.1X?

802.1X is a network authentication standard that provides updated, more efficient security for wireless connections. Implementing this standard campus-wide will prevent wireless devices from connecting to the Northwestern network unless their users have authenticated with a valid NetID and password. 802.1X is more convenient to use than VPN (Virtual Private Networking).

In order to connect to the Northwestern wireless network, your laptop's operating system and wireless adapter must be compliant with both 802.1X and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2). WPA2 wireless network security provides strong data protection and access control.

Please note: Not all computers, even recently purchased ones, may support the WPA2 standard. Contact your vendor to determine your computer's wireless compatibility with 802.1X/WPA2.

To accommodate users whose computers do not meet these requirements, the existing VPN-accessible campus wireless network, nuwlan, will operate in parallel with Northwestern for the time being.

With no need to log into VPN first to access the NU Network, wireless users will have more convenient network access while still maintaining a high level of security. Please note that NUIT strongly recommends using VPN for all off-campus connections to the NU Network.

To access the Northwestern wireless network, your laptop computer's wireless card and operating system must be WPA2-compliant. For some laptops, this may require updating wireless card drivers. Check with your vendor regarding add-on cards or adapters for newer laptops.

Minimum Requirements

• Windows: Windows XP SP2
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.3.3 through 10.3.9, or Mac OS X 10.4.2 or higher

You will need to reconfigure your operating system in order to access the Northwestern wireless network.

NUIT Support Center

Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu