Frequently Asked Questions About RIT's Wireless Network
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the difference between the "rit" network and the "ritwpa" network?
- A: RIT’s Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) wireless network requires that you authenticate, or log in, to connect. It provides a level of additional security through encryption — especially to allow you to safely login with your RIT computer account username and password — of your wireless network transmissions.
However, the encryption for subsequent network traffic should not be considered the primary feature of the WPA network. The primary feature of WPA is to prevent unauthorized use of RIT resources, through authentication, so that the people who need to use the network do so with a high quality of service and safety.
The RIT WPA network carries a different network name — “ritwpa” instead of “rit” — to distinguish it from the conventional RIT wireless network. The network name is also known as an SSID.
Other than the login requirement and the addition of encryption, all other settings and specifications for the WPA network remain the same. You must still register your computer for the overall wireless network (although you only need to register it once to gain access to both the “rit” and “ritwpa” networks). The WPA network is available on all of RIT’s campus wireless access points in academic buildings and common areas — anywhere the “rit” network name is also broadcast.
- Q: When my computer searches for available networks, why doesn't it find "ritwpa," if that's the one I'm supposed to use?
- A: The “ritwpa” network is not broadcast (or beaconed), by our Wireless Access Points (WAP’s). This means that our network infrastructure does not transmit the name (“ritwpa”) and some of the connection information so your computer can automatically find it. The WAP’s currently deployed at RIT only allow one SSID to be broadcast.
The deployment of new wireless technologies at RIT will occur in phases. Acknowledging only one SSID can be broadcast, and to ease the transition, “rit” will continue to be broadcast for the foreseeable future. However, it is our intention to limit access to the open network over time. Additionally, future changes to will be made concerning the broadcast SSID to accommodate security improvements, guest network access, as well as providing directions/instructions on connecting to our various resources.
- Q: How does using an authenticated wireless network benefit me?
- A: The primary feature of WPA is to prevent unauthorized use of RIT resources, through authentication, so that the members of the RIT community who need to use the network do so with a high quality of service and safety. So individuals without a RIT username and password cannot connect to the “ritwpa” network. It also provides a level of additional security through encryption of your wireless network transmissions. However, the encryption for subsequent network traffic should not be considered the primary feature of the WPA network.
- Q: Will there be places on campus where a visitor can access wireless?
- A: Yes, Information and Technology Services is currently designing a system to provide simple to use guest network access throughout campus. Any current requests for guest access can be handled through the ITS HelpDesk.
- Q: Is RIT tracking my use of wireless?
- A: The primary purpose of implementing authentication on the wireless network is to protect the resource. Network records are and will continue to be collected. The authentication information is one data point that will assist in identifying the source of network traffic and issues. RIT intends to use this information to manage network usage, not to track individuals who use the network.
- Q: Will this service cost me anything?
- A: No, there is no additional charge associated with this service.
- Q: What if my machine is not compatible with WPA?
- A: During this transition we acknowledge that some devices may simply lack the capacity to utilize WPA. The current open authentication “rit” SSID is still broadcast and will continue to be broadcast for the foreseeable future. However, it is our intention to limit access to the open network over time. Eventually, we anticipate that users and administrators will be required to apply for an exception through the ITS HelpDesk to connect to the open network. We feel that it is in the community’s best interest to transition as many devices as possible to the WPA network.
- Q: Why is RIT not going to WPA2?
- A: The Wireless Access Points originally deployed at RIT do not offer WPA2 functionality. ITS will move to enhance the security of the wireless network through the implementation of the WPA2 standard when funding and infrastructure become available.
- Q: Will using WPA authentication "break" my access to any service?
- A: No, it should not interfere with any of your other settings as long as you do not delete any other networks you have configured.