Configuring wireless
ISS has four wireless services at the University: newcastle-university, magpie, eduroam and raven, each service is meant for a different set of users.
These services share approximately 300 access points across campus, providing a shared 802.11b/g ethernet network, running at speeds upto 54Mbps.
Your computer must be suitably equipped with a WiFi card and configured for the appropriate service.
newcastle-university
The wireless service provides wireless access to staff and students on campus.
The service uses WPA for security with enterprise level encryption (EAP) meaning you must authenticate before being granted access to the network. Details how to configure your computer are available on the Connect web site.
magpie
The older wireless service (magpie) provides wireless access to staff and students as part of the docking service.
Docking is the method provided to connect personal computers to the campus network and the Internet and uses the campus VPN service. Complete configuration details are provided on the Connect web site.
raven
This service is provided to support short-term visiting staff and delegates to University-hosted conferences. Using raven requires appropriate credentials be established in advance and network traffic is sent via a dedicated route bypassing the restrictions on the academic network.
Details are available on the Conference connection page.
eduroam
EduRoam is provided to allow visiting staff and students to connect to the campus network using the credentials of their home institution. EduRoam also allows staff and students from Newcastle University to connect at participating institutions using their ISS login and password.
Details are available on the EduRoam / JRS page.
Locations
All of the above wireless services are now available on all of the ISS access points on campus. For a full list of locations see the map on the Connect web site.
Off Campus Wireless
There are many other wireless networks you may choose to use at hotels, airports and other sites. Each of these wireless services will require you to reconfigure your laptop, see instructions from each service provider, and you will often have to pay for the privilege.
If you are a regular traveler it may be worth investing in a 3G card for your laptop and a service plan for international use.
If you are visiting another academic institution you may also be able to use the EduRoam service as described above.