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Getting Started


Who can use this network?

This network is available to all University of Michigan students, faculty, and staff who have a valid U-M uniqname and associated UMICH Kerberos password. It is also available to Departmentally Sponsored Guests.

What do I need to use MWireless?

You will need a computer with an IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g or IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN network card that supports 802.1X/WPA2 and you will need to configure your wireless device. Information on how to configure various wireless devices and operating systems is available in the Setting Up MWireless section of this web site. You will then use the software that you configured on your wireless device to login with your U-M uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password.

Most newer laptop computers are equipped with a built-in IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, IEEE 802.11a/b/g or IEEE 802.11b/g wireless network card. If the laptop you are using does not have a built-in wireless network card you will need an external wireless card. In either case, look for a Wi-Fi Certification label or you can check to see if a wireless card is Wi-Fi certified on the Wi-Fi Alliance web site.

What are the system requirements to use the software needed for MWireless on a Windows laptop?

The laptop must use Windows XP or Vista and have the most current Microsoft patches and updates for the OS. A wireless card that supports 802.1x/WPA2.

Some wireless devices do not support WPA2 or may require an update of the wireless card driver, an add-on card, or an external adapter. You can contact the vendor to determine 802.1X/WPA2 compatibility or check the WiFi Alliance web site.

What are the system requirements to use the software needed to use MWireless on a MAC laptop?

OS 10.4 or later.

What do I need to use UM Wireless Network?

You will need a computer with an IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, IEEE 802.11a/b/g or IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN network card and network browser. Although they will work, devices that only utilize the IEEE 802.11b standard are not recommended.

Most newer laptop computers are equipped with a built-in IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, IEEE 802.11a/g/b, or IEEE 802.11b/g wireless network card. If the laptop you are using does not have a built-in wireless network card you will need an external wireless card. In either case, look for a Wi-Fi Certification label or you can check to see if a wireless card is Wi-Fi certified on the Wi-Fi Alliance web site.

  • Windows
      Windows laptops with an internal wireless card:
      • U-M Computer Showcase (students, faculty, and staff)
      • U-M departmental purchases—contact unit purchasing coordinator
      • Computer stores and mailorder

  • Macintosh
      Apple laptops with an internal wireless card.
      • U-M Computer Showcase (students, faculty, and staff)
      • U-M departmental purchases—contact unit purchasing coordinator
      • Computer stores and mailorder

  • Linux laptops may work if you have drivers for a particular wireless network card. This is not currently supported by ITCS.

  • Mobile Computing Devices that are WiFi enabled should also work. They are not currently supported by ITCS.

Connecting to MWireless

You will need to be in a location where the MWireless network is available and have configured your wireless device to use MWireless. Instructions are available on the Setting Up MWireless web pages and on the U-M Blue Disc web site.

Windows XP or Vista

To Connect:

  1. Turn on laptop.
  2. Use your network management software to select MWireless. Using that software login with your U-M uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password.

To Disconnect:

    Most wireless management software displays a disconnect button when you are connected to a wireless network. Click that button to disconnect.

Macintosh OS 10.4

To Connect:

  1. Turn on laptop.
  2. Turn Airport ON under the Airport icon.
  3. Select MWireless from list of network names.
  4. Launch Internet Connect.
  5. Select 802.1X icon.
  6. Type your U-M uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password in appropriate boxes.
  7. Click Connect.

To Disconnect:

  1. Open Internet Connect.
  2. Remove your password from the password box if you do not want it saved on the laptop.
  3. Click Disconnect.

Macintosh OS 10.5

To Connect:

  1. Turn on laptop.
  2. Turn Airport ON under the Airport icon.
  3. Select MWireless from list of network names.
    The 802.1X Authentication box will appear
  4. Type your U-M uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password in the appropriate boxes.
  5. Click OK.

To Disconnect:

    Mac OS X 10.5 does not have a disconnect option. To disconnected from MWireless network you must select Turn Airport Off under the Airport Icon on the computer screen.

Connecting to UM Wireless Network

You will need to be in a location where the UM Wireless Network is available.
  1. Turn on your computer.
  2. Using your network management software, select UM Wireless Network.
  3. Launch a web browser, such as:
    • Firefox: for Windows, Macintosh, or Linux computers
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer: for Windows computers
    • Safari: for Macintosh computers
  4. Your web browser home page will be redirected to the UM Wireless Network authentication page.
  5. Login by typing your U-M uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password in the appropriate login boxes.
  6. Your network browser will return to your predetermined home page.
  7. You are now connected to the UM Wireless Network and can use your network applications.

If you roam out of range, put your computer in hibernation/sleep mode or turn it off for at least 10 minutes, you will be automatically logged out of UM Wireless Network.

What do I need to take advantage of IEEE 802.11n bandwidth on campus?

You will need to be in an area where 802.11n is available. Check the University of Michigan wireless network locations map for this information. MWireless and UM Wireless Network locations that have 802.11a/b/g/n Access Points are colored blue.

Your laptop will need to have a dual-band 802.11n wireless card. Not all laptops that are advertised as having 802.11n capabilities have dual-band cards. Some have single-band cards. If your laptop has a single-band 802.11n card, it will connect at 802.11a/g speeds when using MWireless or UM Wireless Network on campus.

Security and Privacy

Wireless technologies are relatively insecure. A number of different technologies utilize the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz communications bands, including: wireless computers, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth. These devices may interfere with wireless LAN connections. It is also possible for Wireless LAN radio signals to be intercepted by unintended receivers.

MWireless is the most secure wireless network on campus available to all U-M faculty, staff and students. It is a Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) network that is based on the IEEE 802.11i standard and uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to encrypt all of the data between your wireless device and the Access Point (AP). It provides the strongest level of encryption available today.

Before using MWireless, you will need to configure your wireless device. Information on how to configure various wireless devices and operating systems is available in the Setting Up MWireless section of this Web site. Once your system has been set up, you will be able to login to MWireless using your U-M uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password.

To use MWireless, the wireless device you are using must be able to use WPA2 Enterprise security. Most laptops produced in the last four years should be able to use WPA2 Enterprise. You can check the Wi-Fi Alliance Web site to see if the device in your computer is WPA2 Enterprise certified.

UM Wireless Network is an open network. Your password is encrypted during the login process. However, once connected your data is not secured unless you are using a secure application such as a VPN or SSL Web site (mail.umich.edu is a secure Web site). Look for the lock icon in your Web browser to determine the security of the Web pages you visit. A closed lock icon indicates the Web page is secure.

It is very important to make certain your computer always has the latest anti-virus software and security patches installed. Using the software available as part of the U-M Blue Disc will help increase the security of your network sessions.

Information about computer security and privacy is available online.

User Problems

Need help? Call 764-HELP.

Using Your Wireless Device Other Places

You can use your wireless device in many locations on the University of Michigan campus, see Access Locations & Maps.

Many off campus locations such as airports, coffee shops, hotels, and etc. offer wireless connectivity. In addition, consumer-oriented IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, IEEE 802.11a/b/g and IEEE 802.11b/g access points, sometimes called "base stations" are available from a number of vendors for home use. Properly configured, the you can use the same wireless device you use to connect to UM Wireless Network in these other locations.

NOTE: There several standards used for wireless communication; they are not all IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, IEEE 802.11a/b/g, or IEEE 802.11 b/g.