Wi-Fi
Overview
The University of Illinois provides several types of wireless network access in order to support a diverse community.
Available To
There are wireless options for students, faculty, and staff, as well as guests without a NetID.
Features
IllinoisNet: secured, authenticated wireless access
IllinoisNet is a full-featured wireless network, with both authentication and security built into the wireless protocol itself. Once you've configured your computer to use IllinoisNet, you'll be able to log in automatically, with no add-on services like QuickConnect or the VPN necessary.
What is the IllinoisNet wireless service best for?
- Your own personal computer or handheld device: Because IllinoisNet stores your personal identity (your NetID and password), you should not use IllinoisNet on computers and devices that aren't your own. IllinoisNet is primarily meant for computers that are either personally owned or provided to you by your University unit. If you need to use IllinoisNet with a shared computer or device, make certain to delete your personal configuration before you return it.
- Hassle-free connections with security built in: After the initial configuration process is complete, your computer stores your NetID and password and uses it to automatically reconnect to IllinoisNet whenever you're in range. You won't be prompted for QuickConnect logins when you open a browser window, and you'll have the same type of wireless security that the campus VPN provides -- all with no extra software or login prompts.
- Long-term campus network users: If you're going to be on campus for longer than a few days, you'll probably find it worth the time to perform the IllinoisNet configuration process. If you're only visiting, you'll want to use either UIUCnet Wireless with a guest account, or UI Public Wireless without a guest account (in the locations where UI Public Wireless is available.)
- Modern computers: Support for the WPA2 protocol was added to the Wi-Fi certification requirements in 2006. Therefore, most wireless-capable computers built since 2006 can use IllinoisNet. Some smartphones and handheld devices support the WPA2 protocol; others do not. The iPhone and iPod Touch can both be used with IllinoisNet. Campus community members can share their knowledge about their devices at the Community-developed IllinoisNet configurations page. (Log in with your NetID and AD password to read and contribute.) Search the Wi-Fi Alliance's Wi-Fi Certified Products page to see whether your system is Wi-Fi certified.
UIUCnet Wireless: the starter service
UIUCnet Wireless is a simple wireless service that allows you to connect to the Internet with the assistance of add-on authentication tools like QuickConnect or the campus VPN.
What is UIUCnet Wireless best for?
- Campus guests with weekend accounts: If you're a campus guest with a guest account that expires in a few days, UIUCnet Wireless is simple to use.
- Shared or borrowed computers: If the computer you're using isn't your own (for example, presenters or lecturers sharing a laptop at a conference), you won't want to add your personal NetID and password to the computer's IllinoisNet configuration. Use UIUCnet Wireless instead.
- Older computers: If your computer or network card doesn't support the WPA2 wireless protocol, use UIUCnet Wireless instead. If your system was built before 2006, you can search the Wi-Fi Alliance's Wi-Fi Certified Products page to see whether your system is Wi-Fi certified.
- Older operating systems: Operating systems older than Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Mac OS X don't support the WPA2 protocol used by IllinoisNet.
- Getting the configuration directions for IllinoisNet: Since the IllinoisNet wireless system is secured, you'll need to connect to an open network like UIUCnet Wireless in order to get the IllinoisNet configuration directions for your system.
UI Public Wireless: for campus visitors
UI Public Wireless is the only campus network service available without either a NetID or a guest ID. The UI Public Wireless network is provided in a few campus and community locations where non-University-affiliated people are likely to visit. After filling out an informational form and agreeing to the terms of service, you can use the UI Public Wireless service for a short time.
What is UI Public Wireless best for?
- Short-term use by campus visitors: Campus visitors who don't have guest accounts can use UI Public Wireless according to its terms of service. Because some services (like access to the campus email systems) are not available from the UI Public Wireless service, University-affiliated people with NetIDs should use either UIUCnet Wireless or IllinoisNet instead.
eduroam: Available at education and research institutions around the world
eduroam is a secured wireless service offered at many universities and research centers around the world. If you configure your computer to connect to the eduroam network while at your own institution, you'll also be able to connect to eduroam while visiting any other institution that offers it.
What is eduroam best for?
- University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff who are traveling to other eduroam host institutions
- Guests arriving at the University of Illinois from other eduroam host institutions
iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch configuration
With a University-specific IllinoisNet configuration profile, iPhone and iPod Touch users can access the campus wireless network seamlessly. See the iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch configuration page for more information.
Rates
There is no charge for this service.
Getting Started
Support
Refer to the Wireless, VPN, and QuickConnect FAQs and Troubleshooting page with any problems related to connecting to wireless networks, or contact Engineering IT at engrit-help@illinois.edu.
