Changes to PSU on campus wireless networks
On Thursday, September 3, 2009 there will be a change in the wireless networks on campus.
PSU offers wireless access through most of the academic and administrative buildings on campus. Most laptops and wireless PDA devices can connect to our network. To connect to the wireless network, you need a valid ODIN username and password or a temporary guest wireless login. Guests may browse the PSU website (www.pdx.edu) without logging on.
The new wireless networks will be:
PSU - an "open" (unencrypted) network - no additional configuration required. Users will have to accept pop-ups from "wireless.pdx.edu."
PSU Secure - a "closed" (encrypted) network - may requires additional software configuration.
Networks being retired:
PSU Secure Facstaff - replaced by PSU Secure
PSU Faculty and Staff - replaced by PSU
PSU General Access - replaced by PSU
PSU PDA - replaced by PSU. All devices that used this network will be able to connect to PSU without additional configuration.
pdx.edu - replaced by PSU Secure.
vpn.pdx.edu - connect to PSU and use VPN
vpn.cecs.pdx.edu - connect to PSU and use VPN
Secure vs. non-secure networks:
PSU offers two types of wireless networks: encrypted (secure) and unencrypted (non-secure). Due to the nature of hardware available to users, not every device is compatible with the secured network. OIT recommends that users who are able to use the PSU secure wireless network should do so if they are concerned about security over-the-air. Selecting the secured option will require compatible hardware as well as manual software configuration. Users who do not wish to make the software changes required or have incompatible hardware for secure wireless should use the non-secure network.
The difference between a secure and non-secure wireless network is that a secure wireless network will encrypt the internet traffic from your computer to the wireless access point so that no one in your local vicinity can snoop your data as it travels in the air. NOTE: Once this traffic goes past the access point and onto the internet, it will travel without encryption (as it does on home internet connections like cable and DSL). The exception to this transmission security is websites that use their own encryption (SSL). Any website you visit that requires a username and password or is used for purchasing via a credit card should be encrypted and your information is considered "secure." All transmissions between a website using SSL (web address starts with "httpS," not "http") and your computer will remain encrypted for the duration of its transmission across the campus network and the Internet
