KNUST Wireless Access
Overview
KNUST provides Wi-Fi wireless access for students, faculty, staff, and guests. This service provides wireless data network access for mobile computing devices such as laptops and smartphones. The University focuses on providing access in common spaces, classrooms, conference rooms, and similar areas. Office space and other non-public areas may be covered, but these types of spaces are not currently priority coverage areas.
Wi-Fi Benefits and Limitations
The wireless service is recommended for convenient access to the University’s data network for low-bandwidth applications such as web browsing and accessing email. Wireless communications allow for device mobility and easy physical reconfiguration of systems in a collaborative environment.
The wireless service is not intended for time-sensitive or mission-critical applications, such as network-based exams. There are many commercial wireless devices that may cause interference. Interference from nearby devices can result in degraded service or service interruption. These devices include cordless phones, wireless cameras, wireless microphones, etc.
The capacity of the wireless network to carry data is shared among devices in an area, so a large number of devices in a small area can result in slow speeds for everyone. It is not recommended that large groups (greater than 30) use the wireless service concurrently in a small area. If an application requiring a high user population is required, please contact UITS ( 0322063655 or support@knust.edu.gh ) to design a solution.
Configuration, Troubleshooting and Support
The Help Desk supports Windows 7, Vista, XP and Mac OS X operating systems on laptops, as well as several mobile devices, such as Apple’s iOS , Android and Windows Phone. You can call the Help Desk for additional support at 0322063655. You can also visit the Help Desk in person (hours and locations can be found here). Faculty and staff may get additional support from college, department, or other local IT support staff.
Who can access the Network?
The University requires authentication to gain access to the wireless network. Users must have a valid KNUSTID and password or guest account ID that is authorized to use the service. Most faculty, staff are automatically authorized. Authorization may be revoked to resolve a security issue or remove a problematic device from the network or if a user breaches terms .
Guest Access and Conferences
Guest Account IDs authorized to use the University’s wireless service can be obtained from the ICT Centre at first floor, Main LIbrary. Any KNUST faculty or staff member can sponsor a guest. Large groups, conferences or Summer Programs accommodations can be made by contacting Francis Akabo in the ICT Center fakabo@knust.edu.gh. Please allow 7 day notice for large group events.
Data Privacy
You should take the same precautions with regard to protecting data when using the wireless network as you do when transmitting data over the traditional wired network. Data that needs to be secure, should be encrypted end-to-end. You generally verify this type of encryption by looking for a lock box that indicates the session is secured.
The University encrypts over-the-air wireless traffic as a best-effort to protect it from eavesdropping, but the University cannot guarantee the protection of that data.
Service Fees
There are currently no recurring fees associated with the wireless service. If an organizational entity would like to expand wireless coverage, they are responsible for installation costs.
Wireless Client Requirements
ITS supports non-mobile devices, such as desktop computers configured to use a USB wireless adapter. The service supports clients using IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g access protocols. (802.11n is supported in some, but not all, areas of campus at this time.) Client adapters must support the IEEE 802.11i security standard, which is also known as WPA2 enterprise. When purchasing a card, you should verify that it is WPA2 certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Most wireless client adapters manufactured in the last few years meet the above requirements.
The supported operating systems are Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP, Windows Mobile, Mac OS 10.3+, Apple’s iOS, Android, and some Palm OS devices.
The authentication protocol used at the University is EAP-PEAPv0/MS-CHAP-v2. Support for this protocol is built into Microsoft Windows and Mac OS 10.3+.
Installing Your Own Access Points
Members of the University community should not install their own wireless networking equipment without written consent from ITS. Deploying consumer-grade wireless access points is strongly discouraged. These devices have been responsible for numerous network problems on campus (wired and wireless), including building-wide network outages. ITS will provide configuration parameters for devices that are approved for installation, but the individual installing the device is responsible for its proper configuration. You can request permission to install an access point by sending an email to support@knust.edu.gh.
Residence Halls
UITS has been providing wireless Internet access in the Halls of Residence. These access points are fully supported by UITS and the Help Desk. Personal wireless routers are not allowed in the Residence Halls.