Wireless networks may seem like a confusing concept, but in reality they are fairly simple. In fact, they work in much of the same way a cordless telephone works. Radio waves carry the data from one signal point to another rather than cords or wires.
OTS installed nearly 400 radio transmitters called access points around campus so that they are physically connected to TU's wired network. These access points serve as base stations that broadcast radio signals for the wireless network.
When a user with a wireless enabled laptop computer is within the signal of a particular access point, he or she will be able to connect to the regular network without wires. You will be able to use the wireless network as long as you stay in an access point's “radio zone.” As you wander to different radio zones, your laptop will automatically search for and connect to the appropriate access point to stay connected to Towson Unplugged.
Wired for Wireless
Wireless networks depend on traditional wired data networks in order to work. As such, Towson University upgraded its core network infrastructure over summer 2004 to provide a dependable foundation on which to build Towson Unplugged. Towson now boasts a completely new, state-of-the-art wired network that provides increased reliability, performance, manageability and stability.
Please keep in mind that Towson Unplugged supplements the wired network, not replaces it. For example, the wireless network is best used in situations where wired service is impractical or unavailable, like outdoors.
Why Wireless?
At this point, you may be asking yourself, “If Towson has a state-of-the-art wired network, why are we wireless?” The answer is simple. Towson University is committed to increasing the convenience and flexibility of computer-based communication, learning and research.
The ultimate goal is to allow any student, faculty or staff member with a valid TU ID to securely access Towson Unplugged anytime across the majority of Towson's 328-acre campus. Besides greater mobility, wireless networking also provides a cost-effective solution for offering network access in environments where it is difficult, if not impossible, to install network cables, like Johnny Unitas ® Stadium.
Security First
Because wireless network signals travel through the air similar to signals carried by cordless telephones and radios, anyone within range can intercept a wireless signal and possibly view the data being sent across the network to and from your computer. This possibility makes securing Towson Unplugged a top priority. Towson has employed the maximum level of security for the Towson Unplugged authenticated network, including a Cisco firewall and a Cisco VPN (Virtual Private Network) client. To learn about connecting to the wireless network via secure connections, click on the Secure Connections link in the Unplugged menu.
