Network/Internet 

University of Richmond's Wireless Network (urwin)

The University of Richmond Wireless Network (urwin) is available campus-wide.  Students are be able to register for classes, check their email, access library databases, view their class web sites, and access the internet from nearly anywhere on campus via our high-speed wireless network.   The wireless network coupled with the 10 gigabit wired network combine to give University of Richmond students, faculty, staff, and guests fast, secure access to a wealth of resources on our highly connected campus.

The wireless network with approximately 560 wireless access points blankets the campus with coverage.  All buildings on the University's campus and many outdoor areas have fast reliable wireless network services.  This provision for pervasive access will allow students and faculty to decide where they want to teach and learn.  Wireless access facilitates traditional and informal learning opportunities unconstrained by place and formal structure.

The University has deployed an industry standard 802.11g wireless network, using equipment from Cisco Systems.  Cisco is one of the pioneers in wireless networking with integrated security. The new wireless campus will take advantage of a security standard called WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) that provides both authentication AND improved encryption.  As a result, all wireless users are required to register their wireless cards (in addition to registering their wired connections)!!!

Security

In order to maintain network integrity, security, and reliability, Information Services will be the central authority for implementing and maintaining the Richmond wireless network.  To accomplish this task, the following policies will be applied:

• All wireless access points will be configured with encryption and authentication enabled.
• All access points will be installed and maintained by Information Services.
• Wireless Network Interface Cards (NICs) must not be configured to participate in ad-hoc networks. 
• Because of the WPA authentication we have found that older wireless card drivers do not work properly.  Your wireless drivers must be dated after May 2005 to work correctly on our wireless equipment.