| Wireless Technology at the Law School
Overview
The Law School wireless network is:
- A closed network. You must be authorized to access the wireless network and be in the Law School where the radio signal is available; if you move out of this area, the radio signal will be too weak and you will be disconnected.
- A shared network, with speeds slower than those experienced on directly connected desktop units.
- An a/b/g wireless network and most IEEE 802.11 a/b/g wireless cards work in the Law School wireless network environment. 802.11 b-only cards will soon not work at the Law School and should not be purchased. The 802.11 b protocol is being phased out in favor of the faster 802.11 a and g protocols.
Note: Currently, due to the size and restrictions of the Law School's wireless network, wireless access is granted to Law School Affiliates only.
Laptops equipped with compatible wireless networking cards can have a high-speed wireless internet connection without having to be plugged into an Ethernet port. Wireless cards function like any standard wired ethernet card, except they don't need any wires! While Ethernet cards require a cable connection which physically ties you down to the location of the wired connection, wireless cards allow you to connect your laptop to a wireless Local Area Network (wLAN) system from anywhere within the wireless coverage area at a reasonable speed (approximately five times faster than a modem). Unlike Ethernet, wireless access enables you to roam throughout the network while remaining connected to the wLAN. You have the option of using wireless anywhere in the School or Library.
Privacy and Security Warning
Wireless technologies are still relatively insecure:
- Radio signals cannot be controlled like an Ethernet cable. By using the Law School wireless network you are accepting that it is possible for eavesdroppers or attackers on this network or from miles away to intercept the information you send and receive through the network, including passwords.
- WEP encryption security on wireless LANs is known to be flawed and is not used on the Law School wireless network. It is very important to make certain your computer always has the latest anti-virus software and security patches installed.
- A number of different technologies utilize the 2.4Ghz communications band including wireless computers, cordless and cell phones, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth. You should therefore anticipate periodic instability.
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