Wireless @ the Johnny Walker Building
In support of the ERP Project that has been located at the Johnny Walker building, Network Services has deployed wireless network access to cover the entire building as well as the surrounding area. Because this area already has several active wireless networks, and given the potentially sensitive nature of ERP network traffic, the wireless deployment at the Johnny Walker Building differs slightly from that which is deployed around the University campus:
- We are not “broadcasting” the SSID (short for Service Set Identifier). The SSID is the mechanism by which you tell your computer which wireless network to “join.” Normally we advertise the UF wireless network on campus, however, doing this at the Johnny Walker Building would tend to draw non UF systems onto the UF wirelessnetwork.
- You must use the campus VPN service to fully utilize the wireless network at the Johnny Walker Building. This ensures that traffic flowing over the wireless network is fully encrypted.
Because we are not advertising the wireless SSID, you must configure your computer with this SSID as it will not automatically learn it. This has the added benefit that your computer will not accidently use another wireless network in the area, which would result in much slower speeds, or no connectivity at all.
How to configure your computer for wireless @ the Johnny Walker Building
In general, you must perform two steps to use the wireless network:
- 1. Add “ufw” as an SSID to the wireless card.
- 2. Install and use the UF campus VPN client. Instructions, and the client itself can be found at http://net-services.ufl.edu/provided_services/vpn.
The procedure to add the ufw SSID to your wireless card varies depending on the brand of card and operating system you are using. Here are instructions on how to add this SSID under Windows XP with XP controlling the wireless card:
- 1. On your desktop, right click on “My Network Places” and choose "Properties."
- 2. Locate your wireless card in the list of devices. It usually has the word “wireless“ in it. Right click on it, and choose “Properties.”
- 3. Click on the “Wireless Networks” tab. If this tab is not present, make sure your wireless card is inserted and enabled. You will see a window similar to Figure 1
Figure 1
- 4. Click “Add.” You will see a window similar to Figure 2. Type ufw as the Network name and click OK.
Figure 2
- 5. Click “Ok” to close the wireless card network properties.
What areas of the Johnny Walker Building are covered?
As designed, the wireless network will fully cover all areas of the Johnny Walker Building. Additionally, if you have a 100mW wireless card, you may also have coverage in the surrounding area. The only wireless network card that we are aware of that supports 100mW power levels is the Cisco 352. Although coverage outside of the ERP work area is an added bonus, we cannot guarantee it will work as other wireless equipment could interfere with the UF signal. Wireless within the Johnny Walker Building, however, fully supported.
