Division of IT to retire TigerNet
New wireless network brings greater security and easier management.
Dec. 2, 2008
(Click graphic to enlarge)
If students don't switch their wireless connection to MizzouWireless by Jan. 7, they'll be unable to connect to the Internet.
The Division of Information Technology decided to change the wireless Internet available on campus, retiring the old TigerNet1X connection a few weeks ago and planning to retire the TigerNet Wired Equivalent Privacy, or WEP, network in January. As a result, MizzouWireless will be the sole wireless network.
Division of IT director Terry Robb said the switch is for two reasons — greater security and easier management.
"TigerNet WEP encryption is not as secure as MizzouWireless," Robb said. "Additionally, while the key is shared on a secure Web site accessible only to authorized faculty, staff and students, the network can be abused when an authorized person shares it with an unauthorized person."
Instead, MizzouWireless requires authentication — an individual MU PawPrint and password — to connect, meaning it will become impossible for people who are not part of the university to connect unless they set up a special visitor ID with the Division of IT.
MizzouWireless works at the same speed — 54Mbps — as TigerNet1X and WEP networks.
Reducing the number of wireless networks from three to one will also make management easier for the IT staff. MU started adding wireless on campus in the late 90s, starting with the TigerNet WEP network. TigerNet1X, the second connection, was turned off Oct. 29.
"It was kind of weird because last year it was all TigerNet, and it was working fine for awhile, but then all of a sudden stopped working," junior Jonathan Sher said. "I had to go to the IT Web site and find out how to re-enter all the information, but it wasn't too bad. I couldn't even really tell a difference. It works fine, and it works fast. I'm satisfied with it."
IT has been sending out reminder e-mails, as well as provided help stations on Nov. 19 and 20 around campus in order to make the transition easier.
"It's a little more complicated setting it up because we use a different security protocol," Robb said. "Our IT Knowledge Base has the step-by-step instructions. Of course, you can always call the help desk. They'll walk you through it."
More help sessions will probably be planned for after Jan. 7, though the time and places have not yet been determined.
MizzouWireless has been available since the beginning of the 2008 school year.
Students and faculty shouldn't have trouble setting up MizzouWireless, but Robb warns that a few students or faculty may have some minor difficulties.
"They just have to make sure that their computer is compatible, that the computer's hardware and the driver's software will work with our network, that's all," Robb said. "It's best to get it done now and not have to worry about it."
If the computer is not compatible, there is usually free software to remedy the problem.
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