(2009-01-15) Unis Wifi Lockdown

I had noticed that there were WiFi networks running at UNIS, but couldn't connect to them. So I went to ask about getting access.

It turns out that even students and teachers can't get on WiFi unless using a school-issued Lap Top, because of the way Security is handled (I'm not sure whether they register MAC addresses, or install some sort of key-file on the laptops, or what). So don't bother buying your kid a NetBook or OLPC to take to school...

The factors leading to this approach were

• belief that the WiFi has to be protected to avoid access by the adjoining apartment building - why?

• wanting to make access to the protected system automatic, to avoid support hassles of password distribution.