Purchasing Advice for Wi-Fi Enabled Devices

Executive Summary The University wireless network has grown to over 2,200 access points covering the majority of the 437 acre Loughborough Campus. Many colleagues are looking to utilise the University wireless network for their teaching, research and services; this document is designed to assist with the procurement of the most appropriate Wi-Fi device. Following this advice will ensure that the device purchased will work with the University wireless network effectively; otherwise you may not be able to connect the device and in the worst-case scenario you may disrupt wireless service for colleagues and students. If there is any doubt, please ensure you contact IT Services before the procurement of any Wi-Fi enabled device on 01509 222 333 or via it.services@lboro.ac.uk. IT Services are happy to work with the supplier to ensure that devices are suitable for connection to the University wireless network and provide guidance on the wireless coverage in areas where it is proposed the devices will be used. Desktop and Laptop Computers All IT Services approved laptop computers are fully compatible with the University wireless network and the Windows 7 Service software is configured, by default, to use eduroam, the international academic roaming wireless network. We strongly recommend that all desktop computers be connected to the wired network and where possible laptop computers are connected in the same manner (either directly or through a docking station). The wired network provides a much more robust connection, which is quicker than wireless, which is only designed for ad-hoc convenience. Tablet and Mobile Devices The majority of mobile devices will be compatible with the University wireless network; however there are some exceptions. Please ensure that you consult the IT Services Mobile Computing webpages before the procurement of tablet or mobile devices. http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/it/out/mobilecomputing/ Tablet and Mobile devices are largely consumer lead technology, designed to be used by individuals and not to be shared by a group of colleagues and not to be used for controlling enterprise systems (Lighting, A/V, Building Management etc). If a pool tablet arrangement is required, then please contact IT Services in advance so we can advise on how to achieve this from a technical and compliance perspective. This service is currently being used by a number of professional services across the campus; setting up the devices requires a manual process, so this will need to be scheduled in.

Other Devices (Appliances, Robots, Research Systems, Telephones, Cameras etc) The majority of devices in this category, which have Wi-Fi compatibility, are designed again for the consumer home environment and are not compatible with the enterprise wireless systems used by large organisations like the University. Whilst the University wireless network can be used for Skype, Facetime or Jabber; the University wireless network is not designed to support dedicated wireless telephones or video cameras and therefore the connection of these is not possible. Compatible Cisco VoIP DECT wireless handsets are available from IT Services for a small hardware charge. Video requirements will necessitate the installation of a wired network socket. Within the academic environment of the University there is a requirement to support devices like robots, automated vehicles and many other Wi-Fi enabled items. In order that these can be connected reliably to the wireless network, to ensure the best student experience and robust communications for research; please only procure devices which meet the technical specification outlined below. If in any doubt, please contact IT Services in advance and we will be more than happy to help advise on the best solution. Technical Specification for Wi-Fi Connectivity Please ensure any devices, which are procured for connection to the wireless network meet or exceed the following specification. Devices that do not meet these standards will not be able to connect to the University’s wireless network. If a device to be purchased is to be used on the University Wi-Fi network, then it is the responsibility of the member of staff purchasing the Wi-Fi enabled device to ensure that it is compatible before ordering. If in any doubt, please contact IT Services before placing the order with the supplier. The University wireless network is a WPA2-Enterprise network. Only WPA2-Enterprise devices will be able to connect. When purchasing check that devices support WPA2-Enterprise security. This may also be referred to in documentation as IEEE 802.1X authentication or EAP Authentication. The University wireless network operates in 2.4GHz and 5GHz (g/a/gn/an/ac) therefore devices that can only support 802.11b will not be able to connect to the wireless network. Wi-Fi devices need to support one (or more) of the following EAP Authentication methods to connect to the University wireless network:

• PEAP • EAP-TTLS • EAP-TLS

NOTE: Devices which ONLY support WPA2-Personal or WPA2-PSK will NOT be able

to connect to the University wireless network 'eduroam'.