The Office of Computer and Information Systems (CIS) is committed to its leadership role in exploring and implementing emerging enterprise technology solutions for Penn State University. CIS's development of high-speed wireless networking technology has created wireless network access opportunities that can be deployed at any of Penn State's campus locations.
What is Wireless LAN?
A wireless LAN is a flexible data communications system that can be implemented as an extension to a wired LAN within a building or on campus. Wireless LANs transmit and receive data over the air (via radio frequency technology), minimizing the need for wired connections. With wireless LANs, users can access shared information, receive electronic mail (e-mail) and access Penn State computing resources or the Internet without looking for a place to "plug in." Thus, wireless LANs combine data connectivity with user mobility. Note: Wireless LAN service should not be confused with the "wired" Mobile Computing ports offered at Penn State.
Penn State's Wireless LAN service is designed for use by "wireless capable" laptop computers, such as those that have either a built-in wireless network chipset or a PC Card installed in a PCMCIA slot. These wireless LAN adapters (or radio cards) provide an interface between the client network operating system (NOS) and the airwaves via an antenna. Because the nature of the wireless LAN is transparent to a user's NOS, applications work the same as they do on wired LANs.
Wireless LAN Architecture
In coordination of work with the Center for Academic Computing (CAC), the Office of Telecommunications has designed a standards based wireless system that meets critical security, scalability, and ease-of-use requirements. The system uses the 802.11b "WiFi" wireless networking technology which transmits at speeds up to 11Mbps and uses the IPSec protocol.
This service, shown in Figure 1, consists of four primary components: access points, edge switches, core routers, and a VPN server. The access point, the "starting point" for the service, functions as a bridge between the radio (air) and the wired network. It is through the access point that the radio card in the laptop finds a path to the Penn State Intranet and other Internet connected resources. The access points are the Wireless LAN Service demarcation point for OTC maintenance. To enhance performance in some areas, some access points may use external antennae.
Figure 1. Wireless LAN Service
The wired side of the access points, typically 100base-TX, are connected to and aggregated by the use of edge switches. These switches connect back through one uplink to an IB Core Router.
The routers in the IB Core block access to any outside networks, but pass all wireless related traffic to the VPN concentrator which provides both the authentication and data encryption functions of the wireless service.
To make the system easier to configure and use, the Wireless LAN is designed to use DHCP for obtaining addresses. The use of a single DNS name for each campus to identify the VPN concentrator removes the need to know where you are trying to access the LAN from. Finally, the Wireless LAN uses the Penn State access account, allowing the use of the same access USERID and password which are kept in the Penn State Radius and Kerberos servers. The use of these servers also simplifies the creation of use logs.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure
encrypted network connection. In Penn State's Wireless LAN service,
all traffic exchanged between the user's laptop and the VPN
concentrator is encrypted. This means that the Internet traffic between
the user's laptop and the final host is not necessarily encrypted
throughout.
Access Via Wireless LAN
What you need to get connected:
Instructions for Using Wireless LAN
Do the following every time you connect:
Experiencing Troubles?
If your computer gives you an error message about assigning an address, and you have been able to make it work in the past, call 814 865-4NOC [5-4662]. Otherwise, contact the wireless service administrative, technical or security contact at the building you are accessing the service.
How to Request Wireless LAN Service
Wireless LAN Systems can be deployed at University Park and all other Penn State Campus locations.
The ordering, design, installation, and maintenance process for Wireless LAN service parallel those for Wired LAN services offered by OTC. Lead times to activate service in an area will depend largely upon a variety of factors; since many of those are specific to the area to be serviced, general service lead times can not yet be defined. Some availability restrictions will apply. Costs will be based upon experience gained thus far by prototype installation, and through insight from other institutions offering services of similar nature. Substantial portions of costs, such as those of central authentication, core networking, and overall system administration, are being accommodated through existing infrastructure and services. Campuses, colleges, or departments interested in installing the Wireless LAN Service should contact their OTC Communications Analyst to ascertain costs and request service. Once installed, the service is available for use by all Penn State students, faculty, and staff.
Wireless LAN Locations
Installations are currently underway or planned at University Park and Dickinson Campuses. Wireless LANs will be showing up in the computer labs, residence hall study lounges, classrooms, and other places people gather to work or study. For information on covered areas in a building, you should contact the Administrative, Technical or Security contact for the building.
Related Documentation
Are you Considering Installing your own Wireless Network?
CIS offers Wireless Networking Standards for those electing to deploy their own wireless local area network.
