SUBJECT:

New Guest Wireless Networking Service

I am pleased to announce a new free self-service wireless network (UCSD-GUEST) for campus visitors and guests, eliminating the need for them to obtain guest usernames and passwords in advance. This feature is effective immediately and we hope that it will simplify the process and provide a better level of service.

Similar to other public wireless networks in hotels and Internet Cafes, the UCSD-GUEST wireless network allows guests to self-register as follows:

* Select the UCSD-GUEST wireless network
* Open a browser and attempt to connect to any web page
* Follow the instructions on the displayed page
* Be connected to the requested Web site within two minutes

Instructions are also posted at http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/wireless

Unlike UCSD-PROTECTED, which is the preferred wireless network for UCSD students, faculty, and staff, UCSD-GUEST is a limited and an unencrypted service. Visitors will have to log in daily to use this service and will not have access to protected resources such as restricted library databases. Guests may use this service to browse the Web and use Webmail services; they may also use ssh or use their home institution's VPN (virtual private network). For security reasons, if they want to use a mail client such as Outlook, they must turn on their home institution's VPN first.

Although it is possible for UCSD customers to use the UCSD VPN from the UCSD-GUEST service, such users will not get the high speeds and performance associated with the UCSD-PROTECTED network. Departmental system administrators have been given special instructions for handling visiting researchers, scholars, or post-docs, and for handling vendors who need to use your departmental services.

Customers experiencing problems can contact the ACT Help Desk at 858-534-1853 or acthelp@ucsd.edu for assistance. If you have questions about the service, contact Valerie Polichar at vpolichar@ucsd.edu

Elazar C. Harel Assistant Vice Chancellor - Administrative Computing & Telecommunications