USF-GOLD Wireless Network Information

Both USF and USF-GOLD are wireless networks intended to serve USF students, faculty and staff. The USF network requires you to register your computer every semester, gives you a NAT IP address, and is not encrypted. USF-GOLD features WPA or WPA2 encryption, does not require per-semester registrations, and does not pass through NAT.

Configuring the settings of an encrypted wireless network is more involved than a simple unsecured network -- please read all of this page to avoid possible problems. If you still want to jump right into configuring USF-GOLD, here are the instructions.

Here are some important facts about USF-GOLD

• Why the name USF-GOLD? To celebrate the USF school colors, green and gold. We don't intend to go back and rename the old USF network to USF-GREEN anytime soon, but maybe in the future there will be a USF-GREEN for some other purpose.

• USF-GOLD uses encryption for additional security. The existing USF wireless network does not use encryption and relies on the applications (Internet Explorer, SSH etc) to protect sensitive information. Wireless network encryption offers an extra layer of security. (More technical information)

• In order to login to USF-GOLD, you will either need a NetID or a Windows Domain account. You can not use your unix account (like you were able to do for the USF wireless network). This is due to a limitation of the wireless authentication protocol.

  • NetID: Anyone affiliated with USF (students, faculty, and staff) can get a NetID. You can obtain your NetID from https://una.acomp.usf.edu.
    
    If you have not changed your NetID password in the past 3 months, it is extremely important that you log into https://una.acomp.usf.edu before attempting to use USF-GOLD. You WILL NOT be able to connect to USF-GOLD unless you do this. If you're not sure when you last changed your password, please visit https://www.net.usf.edu/wpa to have your account checked. (More techie info)

  • Windows Domain Account: Typically only faculty and staff will have a Windows Domain Account. This is the account you use to retrieve your Exchange email and login to your USF PC each day. If you don't know your Windows account information, please contact the PC support group for your college/department.
    Here is a list of currently supported Windows domains.

• USF-GOLD is available in all the same locations where you can find the existing USF network on the Tampa campus. Coverage maps for the Tampa campus wireless network can be found at http://www.net.usf.edu/wireless. (More technical information)

• USF-GOLD will not require any kind of web-based or per-semester registration. Once your wireless network card is properly configured, it should cache this information for as long as your account is valid and log you onto the network automatically (most cards and operating systems have this function).

• Supported operating systems: Any operating system that supports WPA or WPA2 wireless connections should be able to logon to USF-GOLD. We have tested Windows (XP), Mac OS 10.4.7, and Linux (Fedora and Gentoo).

  • Note: There have been some difficulties with Windows PocketPC 2003. This OS claims to support WPA, but we have experienced problems with some PDA models. We are still working to find a solution to this problem.

• USF-GOLD is NOT faster than the existing USF wireless network. It uses the same 802.11a/b/g protocols and has the same throughput. The only difference is the encryption.

• Configuring the settings for any encrypted wireless network is inherently more difficult than an open/unencrypted network. As such, configuring USF-GOLD is more difficult and time consuming than just using the existing USF network. However, given the benefits of USF-GOLD, we highly recommend taking the extra time to configure it. Documentation is available at https://www.net.usf.edu/wireless/USF-GOLD/instructions.php. It will take you step-by-step through the configuration. Information Technology helpdesk (813-974-1222) is available to help with any problems you might encounter.