Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say that the campus is "wireless"?
The wireless network at the University of Toronto allows laptop computers to connect to the campus network using wireless/radio frequency technology rather than the traditional ethernet card. The wireless network supports the 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a and 802.11n, 802.11ac standards. More on these standards can be found here.
Check the coverage maps section for building/location specifics as not all location support all standards.
Note the use of 802.11b is strongly discouraged.
Does/will the wireless network replace the wired network?
No. The wireless network is offered as an added service, primarily for mobile devices.
What facilities can I use via the Campus Wireless Network?
When using the Campus wireless network, your device is connected directly to the Campus Backbone network. It is not directly connected to any of the local networks in the building. What this means is that you can connect to the Internet and any University or Departmental computers for which you have usage priviledges. Since you are not a part of a departmental LAN certain services may not be available. Direct access to Printers will not be available. There is printing available in some locations. Details are here.
How does the wireless network work?
Devices called Access Points (AP) are installed at various locations on campus. These Access Points are connected to the wired network. A wireless card, similar to an ethernet card, is installed in your mobile device. It uses radio frequencies to communicate with the Access Point and through it to the campus network and the Internet.
You need to authenticate ( with your UTORid ) before you get access to the campus network and to the Internet.
Can I communicate directly with another wireless device?
Yes. A device with an 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PC card can communicate directly with another device (no Access Point required) with a similar PC card. The cards in both devices must be configured for "ad hoc" mode. Using your wireless device in this mode is strongly discouraged.
Are students/faculty/staff required to use the wireless network?
Unless specified as a requirement to enter a program, use of the wireless network is completely optional. It is provided as an additional method of connecting to the U of T network.
Why would I want to use the wireless network?
The advantage of the wireless network is that it provides mobility. Using a wireless card in your mobile device allows you to access the U of T network from locations that do not have traditional network connections, such as common areas, lounges and, in some cases, outdoors. It can be used while doing research in the libraries or to connect to the network during a meeting in a conference room or from a classroom.
Do I have to buy special equipment to access the wireless network?
You need to buy a wireless network card for your laptop to connect to the wireless network. Most laptops come with a this built in.
Is wireless communication secure?
Just as a wired network can be "tapped", so can radio waves be intercepted when communication between the Access Point and the device with the PC card takes place. The SSID UTORwin uses WEP ( Wired Equivalent Privacy ) and is not very secure and in addition, the WEP Key is semi-public User should be the UofT to have better security.
Can I install my own Access Point?
The Access Points are provided and installed by the University. In fact, as it is crucial to the functionality of the wireless network that the frequencies of the Access Points be centrally administered (by EIS ), frequencies for all Access Points on the campus must be assigned and tracked by EIS.
Where can I use wireless?
Check the wireless coverage maps for current locations. Most of the buildings have now full coverage.
When will the wireless campus network be completed?
The deployment of wireless is a work in progress. Check the wireless coverage maps for current locations.
Do residences have access to the wireless network?
Most of the residence building do. See the wireless coverage maps for current locations.
Can I install a private wireless network on campus?
Yes but there are network security guidelines that must be adhered to. EIS seeks out unauthorized access points and will take appropriate action when these are found. Additional information can be found at Setting Up a Private Wireless Network.
Last updated March 20, 2018