Networks at the U of M

COMP1260 > Computers and Networks

Introduction Networks at the U of M A Network is a connection among objects for the purpose of communication. Computer networks are a connection of computers. The importance of networks has been highly increased now because everything relies on computers and many students own their laptop. In fact, the University now has a wireless network uofm-secure that students can connect to, since they realised uofm cannot handle many connections at the same time.

...by students wired is not supported 'uofm' is slow and hard to connect 'uofm-secure' is really secure because it kicks me off. </td> </tr> </table> Networks at the U of M The U of M has subscribed to AT&T Global Network Services. For local access network, U of M use both wired and wireless network with routers. Both of the connections are provided to staffs and students. Wired connection is categorised by providing MAC address or not. Computers in laboratories, offices, and classes are filtered by MAC address. Members of a faculty and staffs can have this connection with their own computer. There is wired connection provided for students with their own laptop in some computer laboratory. Although students do not need to provide MAC address, they need to bring their own RJ-45 cable. Another way to have wired connection as students is using laboratory computers with university accounts. Wireless connection is opened to anyone who has university account. There are two provided wireless connections - uofm and uofm-secure. Few years ago, uofm was main wireless connection provided to students. Since uofm-secure has been become main wireless connection, uofm becomes temporary connection. Wired Network The wired network has generally faster connection speed than wireless; however, there is a disadvantage to use with own computer in 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. For Staff Network connection for staff is limited to machines which are provided MAC address to Information Services and Technology (IST). If they changed or want to connect more computers, they must to provide new computer's MAC address because MAC address is a unique ID for a network device. For Student Students have two ways to connect wired network. First way is using an own laptop. But students need their own RJ-45 cable as well. The connecting locations can be found on here. Second is using a computer in laboratory. Since the computers in laboratories have network connection already, students only need to login in with UM login ID. Information about UM ID can be found on IST accounts page. Wireless Network The use of wireless network is significantly increased since last few years. By that time, the main wireless point, uofm, could not handle many connections at once. U of M opened uofm-secure for students as well with EAP-TTLS. Also, U of M increased the number of routers for wireless connection - the place can be found on Wireless Location On Campus uofm This guess access point allows limited number of connections per router. In other word, if students make a uofm wireless connection in one place, chances to be disconnected soon is high. Furthermore, IST members encourage not using this connection anymore. uofm-secure uofm-secure is the current main wireless connection point provided by U of M. This connection is more secure and stable. Even though it is difficult to set up for the first time, uofm-secure will be more secure, stable, and one-click connection after. 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. References U of M Information Services and Technology Previous Page: Hardware Next Page: Understanding the Internet