by Carl Flynn

Our ITS Network Services group was busy throughout the summer replacing older wireless access points in buildings across campus.  These older access points formed the backbone of our original AirBear campus network that gave us early notoriety as one of the most “unwired” campuses.  The newly installed 802.11a/b/g/n wireless routers provide faster local network speeds and increased options for connectivity.  When your computer is connected to one of these new access points, you will not only see the AIRBEAR network, but also an AIRBEAR WPA2 and BU GUEST network.  The AIRBEAR WPA2 network offers the same connection to the Internet as AIRBEAR, but uses a different authentication scheme as you access the wireless network.  The BU GUEST network is a new service that allows authorized groups to access the campus wireless network.  If you are hosting a meeting or conference, contact the HELP desk to authorize your guests to use the BU GUEST wireless network during their visit.  These improvements in connectivity, speed and flexibility should improve your experience of wireless networking and build on the pervasive wireless presence we have enjoyed across campus.