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Network Operation Centre - UCC
Network Operation Centre - UCC
Home / I.T. Services - University of Windsor / Campus Improvements

Campus Improvements

Campus Improvements Affecting Wireless

In our environment there are always changes happening that impact the availability of Wireless Access Points (Wireless Routers). These changes usually come from campus improvements that make the campus a better more productive place. Unfortunately, some of these changes temporarily cause Wireless Access Points to be displaced. When these Wireless Access Points are displaced not only is the area being changed affected but often the areas surrounding the areas the renovations can also be impacted. Below is current table of renovations.
 
If you suspect that your wireless coverage is being impacted by these changes please contact the HelpDesk at ext. 4440 or by e-mail at helpdesk@uwindsor.ca and refer to this page. We may be able to accommodate your needs.
 
Campus Improvements January 5 2012
 
 

Wireless Network Improvements

Over the Winter semester, you may have noticed improvements in the University's wireless network.  The most significant changes affect the entire campus, and there are some localized improvements as well to report.

With support obtained from Aruba Wireless Networks, the bandwidth limits that were formerly imposed are no longer in force.  Improvements in the technology allow the system to automatically determine the maximum speed for each user. The system takes into consideration the various wireless adapter modes that exist (e.g. 802.11b - 11Mbps, and 802.11g and a - 54 Mbps) to ensure that no one monopolizes all the available bandwidth.  The speed obtained by a user at any given time depends on the number of wireless access points (APs) and the number of users using the system at the same time in a given area.  When the wireless implementation was designed for the campus, areas of the campus where there generally is the potential for more wireless users to congregate had more APs installed.  You would have noticed an improvement in your wireless experience especially where there are fewer users.  The fairness model will ensure you will get your share of bandwidth anywhere on campus, regardless of your adapter speed.

Another significant development to our wireless campus is the recent availability of a secure channel.  If you hunt for wireless networks, you will now notice that in addition to the original insecure "uwindsor" wireless network, you will also find a "uwindsor_secure" network.  This new network supports the 802.1x protocol, which allows you to store your UWinID and your password in the wireless configuration files.  This is particularly useful for users with phones, and other devices with small keyboards because the passwords can be saved for a period of time without needing to re-enter them.  More documentation will be available soon to aid users with the setup of this new method for gaining access to this new wireless network. 

Another benefit obtained with the installation of the uwindsor_secure wireless network is that video transmissions through MSN Messenger and Skype should work better.  Even though IT Services doesn't support this software, we know that they are used on campus, particularly by Residence students who wish to communicate with distant family.

Additional wireless APs have been installed inthe CAW Student Centreand in the Law Building's Moot Court classroom to facilitate the many simultaneous users using the network in these locations.

Finally, the new Centre for Engineering Innovation (CEI) building will have the latest wireless networking technology installed this summer, supporting the 802.11n wireless specification.  802.11n APs are capable of providing much higher bandwidth, up to 300 Mbps.   We will also have the capability to install 802.11n APs in any additional locations that require higher bandwidth elsewhere on campus in the future as the budget allows.

Additional wireless improvements are also planned for later in the year.

For further information regarding our wireless network, please visit  the Wireless Web site.  If you experience difficulties with the wireless network, or any infrastructure in general supported by IT Services, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at HelpDesk@uwindsor.caor via telephone at extension 4440.