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Wireless Computing
For a complete list of wi-fi hotspots on campus
click here (RIT Login Required).
NOTE: RIT does not supply wireless internet in the dorms or apartment areas.
Wireless sites are marked by ITS "Blue Dot" posters and stickers that signify wireless computing areas. The "Blue Dot" symbolized network connectivity all over campus from the dots on the jacks in rooms and offices to the blue dot posters in wireless computing facilities. At RIT, we have currently rolled out 802.11g technology. For more information about 802.11g standards you can go to http://standards.ieee.org/wireless/. Wireless networking allows us to offer network service in locations that are not feasible or convenient to wire. Examples are large open spaces such as student work areas, lecture halls and outdoor areas. As a result ITS has focused initial wireless installations on these sorts of locations. We will continue to expand wireless service as resources allow.
Wireless should not be considered a replacement for wired network connections. We expect that wired connections will continue to offer speeds that are one to two orders of magnitude faster than wireless connections. That speed advantage of wired networks can be critical to some applications.
Connectivity to the RIT wireless network now accepts WPA Enterprise authentication. ITS recomends the use of WPA Enerprise authentication when connecting to RIT wireless access points. WPA Enterprise provides authentication and encryption security. Non WPA connections will be accepted until mandatory WPA authentication is phased in. For more information about connecting to the RIT wireless network click here
Important note about Bridging
Bridging is caused when you are connected to the network with both wired and wireless connections. This "short-circuts" or Bridges the network and your computer will pass internet traffic between differet areas of the network. If your computer is found bridging on our network, you will be blocked. Please be sure to use only one connection at a time. You can prevent bridging issues by getting in the habit of disabling your wireless connection once you are finished using it. This will prevent you from accidentally connecting with both connections at the same time.
Wireless PDAs
Many different PDAs will work with our wireless technology, however, many require additional effort to configure for use. ITS recommends any Pocket PC Device since they will work out of the box with minimal configuration. For wireless cards to use with the Pocket PC devices, we recommend the Cisco card, although the Xircom card worked with very little effort and the installation instructions were clear.