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Using your Laptop from On Campus

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Scenario: High-speed access from a public area on campus

Many public locations on campus offer UIUCnet Wireless or departmental wireless access, and the list continues to grow weekly.

In addition, for users without wireless cards, many campus libraries offer Ethernet-based Walkup networking in certain locations as well.

This page explains how to choose which type of access you want, which method of authentication you will use, and extra steps you may want to take to keep your laptop secure.

(For a broader description of on-campus network access with or without a laptop, visit the links on the Network Access from On Campus page.)

Connecting: Wireless or Walkup?

The first choice you'll need to make is whether you wish to use wireless or Ethernet-based Walkup access.

Benefits of wireless:

Wireless networking is available in many more locations than Walkup networking, and you don't need to locate a particular network jack in order to use it. You can also pick up your computer and move to another location without needing to find another network port.

You can find wireless locations through the alphabetical lists of UIUCnet Wireless locations or departmental wireless locations. To see what's in your vicinity, there's also a clickable map of campus.

Benefits of Walkup:

Nearly all laptops have an Ethernet port built in, but not all laptops offer wireless networking built in. Walkup networking can also provide steadier network access than wireless. If you're far from an access point, or if a lot of computers are connected to the same wireless access point you're using, your wireless speed may drop dramatically. In contrast, you won't see a noticeable drop in speed if someone connects to the next Walkup jack.

Walkup locations are available in alphabetical list or clickable map forms.

General suggestions:

If you're in an area with readily available Walkup jacks and you don't mind staying in one place, Walkup may be your best option.

Otherwise, you'll probably want to use UIUCnet Wireless or departmental wireless, since wireless access is available in many more campus locations.

Signing in: QuickConnect or VPN?

Benefits of QuickConnect:

UIUCnet QuickConnect is, as its name implies, a fast and simple way to authenticate yourself for on-campus network access. You don't need to install any extra software. Simply open a browser window, visit a http:// web site such as http://www.uiuc.edu, and use your NetID to log in for access to the most commonly used network services.

In addition, if you're working in an area with fluctuating or low wireless signal strength, QuickConnect will be easier for you to use than the VPN. Since the VPN client requires consistent communication with the VPN server, you may be disconnected from the VPN more frequently in an area with unsteady wireless coverage. QuickConnect needs to communicate with its server only once an hour: when you first log in or when your session is renewed.

Benefits of the VPN:

The CITES VPN requires you to configure your computer to access the VPN server in order to securely authenticate yourself. However, since the VPN connection is secured as well as authenticated, you are allowed access to a much broader range of services than through QuickConnect. (QuickConnect blocks services that are too insecure to use through wireless, including some common instant messaging clients and FTP.)

General suggestions:

If all you need are common services like Web and email access, or if you're in an area with unsteady wireless coverage, QuickConnect is your best option. However, if you need services that QuickConnect can't provide, use the VPN instead.

Extra security for laptops

Because laptops connect to more networks from more locations than desktops, you may want to take extra precautions to keep them secure. A personal firewall will help protect your laptop on any network, and a cable to fasten your laptop to a sturdy desk is a good way to buy yourself time to get a drink while studying.

For laptop-specific security suggestions, see the security scenarios on Laptop Security and Traveling with a Laptop.

Wireless networking users should also see the Wireless security scenario.