By Scott Swartzentruber, Director of Networking and Communications

In order to keep up with the increasing need for network security, IT has implemented a new authentication method for the campus wireless network. The new wireless network, named “WCU,” uses a much stronger encryption method than the old network (“101”) and requires the use of either a certificate or a username/password combination to allow access to the network. The old network required a user to register a device before it could be used on the network; the new WCU network does not require registration prior to connection.

To assist in the configuration of wireless connections, IT has implemented a web tool that guides faculty, staff and students through the process of setting up their computer to use the new wireless network. The web tool can be found at http://networksetup.wcu.edu. This self-help tool will make all the necessary changes to the computer and works with Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

The old 101 wireless network will be retired at a to-be-determined date in the near future. All users will need to switch their computers over to using the new WCU network if they wish to continue to use WCU’s wireless network.

Wireless access is still available to campus guests and the process for requesting access has not changed. Any faculty or staff member who has a business need to sponsor a campus visitor’s access to the wireless network can request the access by calling the IT Help Desk at (828) 227-7487 or visit the WCU Wireless Network Web site for online registration for guest access.