By Steve Willett

The University of Maryland wireless network provides Maryland faculty, staff, and students with wireless access to Internet resources without the need to be anchored to a network cable and data outlet. Following a very ambitious year-long expansion and upgrade project, the university’s wireless network is now one of the largest in the country, with more than 2000 access points providing convenient wireless access in more than 100 buildings.

In addition to widespread wireless coverage, another of OIT’s goals is to provide the university community with a safe wireless network. In October, users will be able to take advantage of a new “umd-secure” wireless network, which will encrypt all wireless transmissions using WPA/WPA2 technology. Once it is available, this will be the preferred means of accessing the wireless network. Please visit www.oit.umd.edu/wireless for more information.