Do You Have the Best Wireless Connection Possible? 

Although you may not be aware of it, Miami provides a number of ways to connect to the wireless network while on campus. These are reflected in different “networks” that appear in your wireless network listing when you are within range of a Miami wireless access point.

All connection methods are not equal! Depending upon your choice, you will have varying levels of speed, security, and network access. The listing below outlines the options – IT Services strongly recommends you configure your computer to use the first connection method for the best wireless experience.

Miami Wireless Connection Options:

• MU-WIRELESS:  Strongly recommended for students, faculty and staff. MU-WIRELESS provides a secure connection and gives you a full range of network services including the ability to access university file servers and print to university pay-for-print or departmental printers. To connect to MU-WIRELESS, additional configuration is required beyond simply selecting it. Taking a few minutes to do so is well worth the time, as you’ll get a more stable and secure connection with a broader array of network services than the alternatives. Configuration instructions in IT Help:  Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.
  
  
• MU-WIRELESS-LITE:  Not recommended - slated for retirement by Fall 2009. MU-WIRELESS-LITE provides easy but less secure access to the wireless network. Due to the lack of security, when connected to MU-WIRELESS-LITE you are restricted to web browsing and instant messaging, unless you use Miami’s VPN client. This option has been provided because of the ease of connecting but will be phased out in favor of MU-WIRELESS by next fall. If you are currently connecting to MU-WIRELESS-LITE, IT Services recommends following the instructions to configure your computer to connect to MU-WIRELESS.
  
  
• MU-GUEST: Limited, reduced speed option provided as a courtesy for university guests.  MU-GUEST provides a reduced bandwidth (slower) connection to Miami’s wireless network.  It is not inherently secure and provides access only to web browsing (guests can connect to secure web pages or external VPN services to set up a secure session). Individuals do not need to log in to use this service but simply click the “9 hour guest access” button that appears on the login page when you open a web browser. This option is not recommended for students, faculty or staff because of its limitations.

If you are not certain which of these connection options you are using, please take a look at the wireless networks listing on your computer. If you have questions, please contact the IT Services Support Desk at 513-529-7900 or ithelp@muohio.edu.