Updated WAASU-Wireless Access at ASU
By Steve Duckworth and Damon Armour, ITS, contributing writers
Wireless Access at ASU, WAASU, as it is known on campus, provides mobile access to the Internet without users having to be physically tied to a data outlet. Imagine eating lunch on the outside patio area at the JSAC – reading email or getting caught up with class notes via myASU.
Augusta State has been offering 802.11b/g (11Mbps/54Mbps) wireless connectivity for students, faculty, and staff since 2002. During the past eight years, the network has grown from a single building with two access points (APs) to 11 buildings and over 80 APs. These locations include Allgood Hall, Christenberry Field House, the Fine Arts Center, Galloway Hall, Reese Library, Science Hall, JSAC, and the University Village Clubhouse and pool area.
During the winter break of 2010, ITS upgraded the wireless infrastructure to the most current 802.11n (up to 300Mbps) technology. Included in this upgrade is the addition of a more secure version of WAASU that utilizes modern encryption standards (WPA-AES) to safeguard information as it travels through the air. These standards help prevent individuals from snooping the information transmitted from a mobile device (laptop, mobile phone, etc. WAASU (Secure) uses a technology called 802.1x that provides students, faculty, staff, and alumni an authentication system that will not require users to enter credentials each time you connect.
WAASU and WAASU (Secure) use an individual’s JagNET credentials to authenticate. The JagNET account is the account used to log into the campus computers or the myASU portal. WAASU, upon launching a web browser, will request JagNET credentials. WAASU (Secure), depending on the operating system, requires a few steps to configure. Once configured, WAASU (Secure) will not require a user to authenticate again unless the network profile is removed or the user changes the JagNET password. Set-up instructions and support documentation can be found on the ITS Support website at www.aug.edu/its/wireless.html.
Students may contact the Student Help Desk for assistance at 706-737-1676:
- Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30p.m.
- Monday – Thursday, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.*
- Sunday – 1-5 p.m.*
*Note: This support varies with the availability of student assistants.
Faculty, staff, and alumni may contact the ITS Help Desk at 706-737-1482
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
ITS recognizes the increased use of wireless devices on campus. This trend will continue upward, especially with the growth in smart phones and tablet PCs (iPad, Samsung Galaxy, etc.). Therefore, there is an increased need for wireless services to be upgraded to meet expectations. During fall 2010 term, total connection went from 19,293 in August to 49,852 in November with unique uses going from 2,408 in August to 3,189 in November.
Approximately half of ASU’s student body uses WAASU. By improving the strength of the wireless signal and creating an encrypted network, ITS is providing a better, more secure wireless infrastructure. The long-term plan is to expand the wireless network to cover all of the “green space” on campus.
