Issue date: 7/25/02 Section: Front Page

In a forum discussion Wednesday, Willis Marti of the Computer Information Services Network Group at Texas A&M emphasized that campus wireless lacks the performance of wired access and security.

As access becomes widespread, increased security measures must be taken in order to minimize the risks associated with wireless access, he said.

"Our goal is not campus wireless," he said. "Wireless access is to be used only as a supplement to the wired access we already have."

According to information listed on the Tamulink website, wireless access is currently available through numerous ports on campus, including Evans Library, the Harrington Education Classroom Center, the Commons Lobby, the West Campus Library and many food service locations across campus.

There are plans for additional wireless connections in the Pavilion, the lobby and hallways of Wehner, Zachry and the remaining food service locations.

The forum addressed security as a pressing issue facing the increased wireless use on campus.

"In a wireless environment, you essentially need two things," Marti said. "You must have authentication, knowing who's there, and you must have confidentiality, knowing if they can listen in."

Following high demand from departments on campus for wireless access, requirements for TAMU wireless were created requiring that it work immediately and provided proper authentication through user identification and confidentiality through data encryption.

"This is not a system where you will just be able to walk up and use a laptop," Marti said.

Wireless access on campus, requires a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server and the LDAP sever which can use the same password and account name as Neo.

There is a threat of "rogue access points" or "throw-downs" with wireless access, which is one of the disadvantages of the system. These are ports that are simply installed and not managed under the A&M standards for encryption and security, Marti said.

Marti emphasized the difference between wireless systems that are simply wired rather than engineered and managed.

The advantage to VPN is its success and ability to provide what A&M users need with wireless access, confidentiality and authentication, he said.

The biggest disadvantage to the system is the incompatibility with devices such as Personal Data Assistants.

The demand from on-campus users has spread from Windows and Macintosh compatible devices to a broader range that VPN cannot provide with wireless access.

"We recognize the need to have visitors to the network for department sponsored conferences or meetings and are looking into ways to allow temporary guest accounts," Marti said.

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