Computer network access is an office necessity, but as laptops and other portable devices become more popular, wireless access is in stronger demand. Thanks to a grant from the SBC Foundation, the Health Science Center has increased its wireless network access and portable devices now can be used almost anywhere on campus.
The wireless networking service (WiFi) on campus now includes classrooms and most public areas via wireless access points on the Central and North campuses. Telecommunications and Networking (T&N) installed most of the access points within the past year.
“This project was done primarily to support the students as the schools move toward using laptop computers to support teaching activities,” said Bob Ports, director of T&N. However, faculty and staff are benefiting from it too.
In order to use the wireless network, all portable devices must be registered through T&N Customer Services. Registration helps to ensure a high level of security and gives the laptop user access to public computing resources, including most Web pages. Access to resources behind the university firewalls requires Virtual Private Network (VPN) software that is available at
www.uthscsa.edu/tn.
In accordance with the Network Access Policy (HOP 5.8.7), only portable devices will be registered to use the wireless networking service. This will ensure that the portable devices have adequate bandwidth on the shared service.
Laptops must also be configured correctly to be able to locate the wireless network. For assistance or questions, contact T&N Customer Services at (210) 567-2061.
