Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless upgrade
- When will the wireless upgrade happen?
- When will the upgrade be completed?
- How do I know where the new service is available?
- Will there be disruptions to the wireless service?
- How will I know if I am on the new system?
- Are there any new services or improvements?
- Why is there a separate SSID (wireless network name) for 802.11n?
- Are there any other changes?
- How do I set up my device for the new wireless system?
When will the wireless upgrade happen?
It's already started. In September 2012, CIS embarked on a project to upgrade the existing wireless infrastructure. New wireless controllers and management systems have been installed and tested. The existing wireless infrastructure is being replaced, and in some areas enhanced, in order to provide improved coverage, improved capacity and better security.
When will the upgrade be completed?
The upgrade is planned to be completed by Easter 2013. During this period there will be 2 wireless systems running in parallel and you will need to use the one available in the location/building you are situated in at that time.
How do I know where the new service is available?
We will be publishing details on the web very soon however each system advertises a different SSID (public wireless network name) when your device shows you available networks.
Will there be disruptions to the wireless service?
There will be disruption in the specific area where the upgrade is taking place and we will be liaising with each department/college directly so they'll be made aware of disruptions specific to them. Although we plan to make the transition as seamless as possible, to make the system more secure and offer an improved service there are some important changes you need to be aware of:
- Support for 802.11n (the latest wireless standard) will be introduced
- Support for 802.11b (the old wireless standard) will be withdrawn
- Durham Web Authentication will no longer be available
How will I know if I am on the new system?
The old and new systems offer different service names, so the networks listed on the existing/old system are:
- Durham University Wireless
- Durham Web Authentication
- eduroam
If you are in a location which has been upgraded to the new system, you'll see the following networks available:
- DU Wireless
- DU 802.11n
- eduroam
Are there any new services or improvements?
The new system offers support for 802.11n which is the new high performance WiFi standard which will be available for the first time here at Durham. To use this network, you'll need 802.11n compatible WiFi equipment.
Why is there a separate SSID (wireless network name) for 802.11n?
The SSID 'DU 802.11n' has been introduced to allow devices which can support 802.11n to take advantage of the performance this standard supplies. Devices which cannot support this standard should use the 'DU Wireless' network.
Please note that the 'DU 802.11n' SSID is only available in the 5GHz range.
Are there any other changes?
The old wireless standard, 802.11b will not be supported on the new system.
How do I set up my device for the new wireless system?
The existing instructions for connecting to the 'Durham University Wireless' network will work but you will need to make a few small changes:
- Change the reference 'Durham University Wireless' to 'DU Wireless'
- Set the network authentication to WPA2
- Set data encryption to AES
The current documented settings of:
- Network authentication WPA
- Data encryption TKIP
will still work but the new settings offer better security for you.
