Wireless support
Introduction to wireless networking
The University has had wireless since 2001, being one of the earliest deployers in the UK. Since then, it has grown from a single wireless access point to over 1,000 devices.
Wireless is a common method of network access for University staff, students and visitors. Whilst the primary method of network access is through a wired connection, wireless is becoming an important and ever present alternative.
The strengths of wireless lie in the mobility it allows people. Modern phones and tablets expect and demand wireless connectivity. The University has invested heavily in the best enterprise wireless system available - working to provide widespread coverage across all of its buildings, with the capacity to support users even in the busiest areas.
There are limitations however with any wireless network. Did you know that signal strength can be affected by many environmental factors such as weather, radar, microwaves, cordless phones, car alarms, or even the position of a filing cabinet? Interference from neighbouring wireless systems can also have an effect on signal strength. Unlike a wired connection there is no guarantee of bandwidth or signal quality, however the 'trade-off' for this is the convenience and mobility that wireless provides.
- Already familiar with wireless at the University? See a quick comparison of networks
The networks
The University has three different wireless services available for students, staff and visitors to use:
- The captive portal, which requires you to log in to a web page
- eduroam, which requires initially setting up your device but no subsequent manual login
- The Cloud, which is a commercial network for people without University accounts
captive portal
This is the most common method of access to the University wireless network. If you connect to the 'University of Manchester' or 'UoM_WIFI' networks (known as Service Set Identifiers, or SSIDs) and open a web browser then you will be greeted with a login page. Agreeing to the terms and conditions and entering your credentials will give restricted access to the University and to the Internet.
Target users: Visitors, occasional laptop users
For further details, see Captive Portal
eduroam
eduroam is an international system which allows someone with credentials from one University to login securely at another University which supports eduroam. Once a device is configured it should automatically connect and use the 'eduroam' network where ever it is available. This means that temporary credentials do not need to be used.
An added bonus of eduroam is that it makes using the wireless network (for mobile devices in particular) easier. Unlike the Captive Portal system there is no need to log in each time you want to use it and no 15 minute inactivity time out. Due the secure nature of the connection it has fewer restrictions.
Target users: Mobile devices, full time wireless users, people who visit other universities
For further details, see eduroam
Cloud
The Cloud is a commercial provider who the University has a contract with to provide access for conference guests and other people not directly associated with the University. It is deployed in key areas (conference venues, meeting rooms, etc.) only.
Target users: External visitors / delegates
For further details, see the Cloud
Compare networks
On the Compare networks page you can view a brief summary of the Captive Portal and eduroam services, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each.