Networks at the U of M

COMP1260 > Computers and Networks

Introduction A Network is a connection among entities for the purpose of communication. Computer networks are a connection of computers. The importance of networks has highly increased now that everything relies on computers. Many students also own a laptop. In fact, uofm, which was the main wireless access point a few years ago, could not handle many connections at the same time. In response, the university installed additional routers at various places around campus and encourages to use it over the old connection. The new one is called uofm-secure.

...by students Three years ago, I used the wired network with my laptop because the wireless signal was not good and was slow. In addition, if there were many wireless connections, the router kept kicking me out. As more students owned a laptop, the U of M installed more routers and improved the wireless connection. Nowadays, I am using uofm-secure and have a reliable and stable wireless connection on campus. Unfortunately, I cannot connect to uofm-secure on Linux; it is not a big problem because I mainly use Windows. I hope the U of M will support Linux for uofm-secure soon. </td> </tr> </table> Networks at the U of M Figure 1: U of M network diagram The U of M has subscribed to AT&T Global Network Services. U of M uses routers for local area networks. The routers provide network connections to computers, other routers, and printers. In other words, most devices at the U of M are connected to local area networks. This network system is powerful because the data can be shared throughout the U of M. The connections are implemented in both wired and wireless. Both of them provide network access for staffs and students. Wired connections are categorised by providing MAC address or not. Computers in laboratories, offices, and classes have network access. This accesses are filtered by MAC address. Members of a faculty and staffs can have this connection with their own computer; they need to provide a MAC address to Information Services and Technology. There is a wired connection also provided for students’ laptops in some computer laboratory. Although students do not need to provide a MAC address, they need to bring their own RJ-45 Ethernet cable to plug into one of the network ports. Another way to have a wired connection as a student is using laboratory computers with university accounts. Wireless connection is open to anyone who has university account. There are two wireless network types provided - uofm and uofm-secure. A few years ago, uofm was the main wireless network provided to students. Since uofm-secure has been become the main wireless connection, uofm is a guest connection now. Even though uofm-secure is the main wireless connection, uofm is more stable than uofm-secure on Linux because uofm-secure keeps disconnect the access from Linux. Wired Network The wired network has generally faster connection speed than wireless. However, there is a disadvantage to use with own computer at the U of M. For staffs, they need to provide their MAC address, which is a unique ID of a network device. For students, they need to bring their own RJ-45 cable. With computers in laboratories or classes, everyone needs their U of M ID to login. The devices such as printers are also connected with wires. Very few students, who are in Master or Ph.D program or are working as a research assistant, get the access to use those devices. For Staff A network connection for staff is limited to machines which are provided MAC address to Information Services and Technology. If they changed or wanted to connect more devices, they must provide the MAC address of the devices because MAC address is a unique ID for a network device. For Students Students have two ways to connect wired network. First way is using an own laptop. But students need their own RJ-45 cable. The connecting locations can be found on Information Services and Technology pages. Second is using a computer in laboratory. Since all the computers in laboratories have network connection already, students only need to login with UM login ID. Information about UM ID can be found on Information Services and Technology accounts page. Wireless Network The use of wireless network is significantly increased since last few years. At that time, the main wireless point, uofm, could not handle many connections at once. U of M opened uofm-secure to students as well with EAP-TTLS. Also, U of M installed many access point and improved services for wireless connection - the router places can be found on Wireless Location On Campus uofm This guess access allows limited number of connections per router. In other word, if students make a uofm wireless connection in one place, chances to be disconnected suddenly is high. Furthermore, IST members encourage not to use this connection anymore. To use this connection, user needs the U of M ID and password. On the first connection to a web page in internet browser, it will ask the ID and password. uofm-secure uofm-secure is the current main wireless connection provided by U of M. This connection is more secure and stable. Even though it is difficult to set it up for the first time, uofm-secure will be more secure, stable, and one-click connection after installation. The work-through to set up can be found on Wireless Access. Windows 7 users can follow the instruction of Windows Vista. Unfortunately, uofm-secure is not supported by IST on Linux, although they provide an unofficial certificate for the setup. Moreover, the wireless tends to disconnect on Linux. Further Reading Computer Network EAP-TTLS MAC address RJ-45 References Previous Page: Types of Networks Next Page: How Does the Internet Work?