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Wireless FAQs: General

Where is Wireless Networking available?

Please see the Wireless Networking Locations web page for more details. 

 

How will I find the wireless zones at these locations?

Look out for a poster in those locations that have been wireless-enabled — it will look like this:

Cardiff University Wireless Network Logo

Who may use Wireless Networking?

All students and staff of Cardiff University who register their devices with Information Services and visitors from participating eduroam establishments. 

What Wireless Networking services are available?

There are three services :

eduroam  This service has enhanced security and is the preferred service. Users authenticate securely via their Cardiff University username and password and a wireless 802.1x supplicant (SecureW2) may need to be installed on your wireless device. 

Alternatively, you can configure your laptop or mobile phone manually using one of our OS specific guides where available. Following successful authentication, all traffic between the user and the network is encrypted. Both staff and students should preferably use this service. In order to connect to, you should first register for Wireless Networking and then follow links on the How to Connect pages.

 

CU-Wi-Fi   This service provides basic access to the Internet. Users are authenticated securely via their Cardiff University username and password via a secure web page. After authentication, however, the traffic between the laptop and the network is unencrypted, unless you access sites using https or SSL.

Both students and staff can use this service and it is relatively simple to connect and use once the wireless device is registered with Information Services. We strongly recommend, however, that you configure your connection to the enhanced eduroam service as soon as possible.

 

CU-Guest-Wi-Fi  CU-Guest-Wi-Fi is a restricted service which is intended for users who are not eligible to use either the CU-Wi-Fi or eduroam services.

More information and a summary of eligibility can be found on the CU-Guest-WiFi pages

Please note: you must have a Cardiff University sponsor to use the CU-Guest-WiFi service

 

What services will I have if I connect to eduroam?

You will have all the facilities of the Standard service, plus ordinary traffic will be encrypted. Staff will also have additional access rights.

 

What services will I have if I connect to CU-Wi-Fi?

You will have access to the World Wide Web and be able to view intranet web sources.

You will be able to access your University email either via WebMail or the Cardiff University portal.

 

What are the rules governing the use of Wireless Networking?

By connecting to Wireless Networking you are agreeing to comply with the rules as laid down by JANET and the Information Services Regulations.

How much do I have to pay for a wireless connection?

Connection to the service is free-of-charge for all members of Cardiff University.

 

What are the benefits of Wireless Networking?

Wireless networks offer mobility, allowing users to physically move about while maintaining a connection to the network.

What are the drawbacks of Wireless Networking?

Wireless has inherently slower network speeds than wired networks. Also all users can end up sharing the speed that is available in an area.

Users can also be caught out by lack of power for the device they are using. It might be wireless, but power will still need to be supplied to the device!

Can wireless networks be used to replace wired networks?

No, wireless networks are best used to supplement wired networks, where the installation of a wired network would be very difficult. At the present time wired networks provide more consistent connectivity and are less susceptible to interference.

How long will my registration last?

You should not need to re-register for the wireless service.  Devices are only removed after extended periods of inactivity or when you cease to be a Cardiff University student or staff.

 

Will I be able to print from my wireless laptop?

The new webPrint wireless printing service is a pilot project that enables users of the networked chargeable printing service to send print jobs from their laptop or PC to printers in six different locations across the University.