Wireless network users can now use one set of personal credentials to securely access the Internet from any Washington University wireless hotspot.
Medical Campus wireless users can connect to the Medical School’s secure wireless Internet while on the Danforth Campus, North Campus or West Campus. The WUSTL secure wireless network also is accessible while on the Medical Campus.
Previously, each secure wireless network was only accessible on home campuses, making cross-campus work more difficult.
The capability debuted in May 2009.
Ed Welker, director of network services, and David Hamrick, director of information systems for the School of Medicine, led the implementation of a network model that protects the privacy of each network, meets medical school HIPAA concerns and simplifies access to Internet resources. Additional secure arrangements may still be required to access files that are stored on school, department or personal computers.
Additional wireless network improvements were implemented over the summer as well.
WUSTL KEY is now integrated into the Danforth Campus wireless system, easing access to the network. It is no longer necessary to download a special access program.
“Using the WUSTL KEY makes the wireless service more user-friendly and reduces the number of steps required to access the secure wireless connection, saving valuable time for students, faculty and staff on the Danforth Campus,” said Jan Weller, assistant vice chancellor for Information Services & Technology.
Also guests can now access the WUSTL wireless network on the Danforth, West and North campuses by using the wireless network named “GuestWiFi-WUSTL.”
A user ID and password is not required for guest access to Internet resources.
The University has anticipated the need for strong and flexible wireless coverage due to the popularity of smartphones and other mobile computers, Weller said. Technology-support personnel across all campuses continue to identify and make improvements to wireless access.
For more information about how to access wireless networks, visit nss.wustl.edu and click on “Wireless.”