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Getting Started
Back to main UM Wireless Network page
Who can use this network?This network is available to all University of Michigan students, faculty, and staff who have a valid U-M uniqname and associated UMICH password.What do I need to use this network?You will need a computer with an IEEE 802.11a/b/g or IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN network card and network browser. Although they will work, devices that only utilize the IEEE 802.11b standard are not recommended.Most newer laptop computers are equipped with a built-in IEEE 802.11a/b/g, IEEE 802.11b/g or IEEE 802.11b wireless network card. If the laptop you are using does not have a built-in wireless network card you will need an external wireless card. In either case, look for a Wi-Fi Certification label or you can check to see if a wireless card is Wi-Fi certified on the Wi-Fi Alliance web site. Recommendations for persons using the Law School wireless network can be found on the U-M Law School web site.
Installing Your Wireless Card and Network Management SoftwareSoftware and instructions are provided with the wireless card that you purchase. Generally you just need to start your laptop and insert the card into a PC card slot (if external). Your laptop should detect the new hardware (the wireless card) and walk you through the process of installing the drivers.During the installation process, you will need the following information:
Security and PrivacyWireless technologies are relatively insecure. A number of different technologies utilize the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz communications bands, including: wireless computers, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth. These devices may interfere with wireless LAN connections. It is also possible for Wireless LAN radio signals to be intercepted by unintended receivers. Some wireless LAN encryption security is known to be flawed and is not used on UM Wireless Network.UM Wireless Network is an open network. Your password is encrypted during the login process. Once connected, though, your data is not secured unless you are using a secure application such as a VPN or SSL web site. (mail.umich.edu is a secure web site. Look for the lock icon in your web browser to determine the security of the web pages you visit. A closed lock icon indicates the web page is secure.) It is very important to make certain your computer always has the latest anti-virus software and security patches installed. Information about computer security and privacy is available online. Using the software available in on the latest U-M Blue Disc will help increase the security of your UM Wireless Network sessions. The software on the U-M Blue Disc is configured to encrypt your passwords and, in some cases, the software will encrypt the session. The U-M Blue Disc also includes anti-virus software. U-M is working to deploy a more secure wireless environment. In order for you to be certain you can take advantage of this increased security, the wireless device in your computer must be able to use WPA2 Enterprise security. Most wireless devices produced in the last two years should be able to use WPA2 Enterprise. You can check the the Wi-Fi Alliance web site to see if the device in your computer is WPA2 Enterprise certified. Connecting to UM Wireless NetworkYou will need to be in a location where the UM Wireless Network is available.
If you roam out of range, put your computer in hibernation/sleep mode or turn it off for at least 10 minutes, you will be automatically logged out of UM Wireless Network. Getting a "Blue Screen" when trying to connect to UM Wireless Network?If your Windows laptop crashes and displays a Blue Screen with an error message, called the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and then reboots, when trying to connect to UM Wireless Network, most likely there is a problem with the wireless driver on the laptop. This symptom may not appear at other wireless sites (your home, local Hotspots, etc.).If the laptop has an Intel 2200bg wireless card, the wireless driver must be upgraded either with the generic Intel driver or one provided by the laptop manufacturer. This issue is detailed and links for driver updates can be found on the Intel Corporation web site. If the laptop does not have the Intel wireless chipset, it is still recommended that the latest wireless diver be installed. If you still experience the problem, please contact um_wireless_network@umich.edu for additional support. User ProblemsNeed help? Call 764-HELP.Using Your Wireless Card Other PlacesYou can use your wireless card in many locations on the University of Michigan campus, see Access Locations & Maps.Many off campus locations such as airports, coffee shops, hotels, and etc. offer wireless connectivity. In addition, consumer-oriented IEEE 802.11a/b/g, IEEE 802.11b/g and IEEE 802.11b access points, sometimes called "base stations" are available from a number of vendors for home use. Properly configured, the same IEEE 802.11a/b/g or IEEE 802.11b/g card that connects your computer to the UM Wireless Network can be used in these other locations. NOTE: There several standards used for wireless communication; they are not all IEEE 802.11b/g. The IEEE 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11b. This means the older IEEE 802.11b access points or cards can be used with the newer IEEE 802.11b/g access points or cards. |