UF students and staff will no longer have to log into the “visitor” level Internet access when visiting other institutions with the addition of a new secure wireless network.
Eduroam is a secure, worldwide roaming access service developed for international research and the educational community. UF implemented the service last month.
Tracy Gale, communications manager for UF Information Technology, said having eduroam grants quick Internet access for students visiting campuses around the world.
“If the research facility is a member of eduroam, the student or faculty member does not have to wait for anything to be processed,” Gale wrote in an email. “They can get online, check email and get to work.”
Anyone with a current GatorLink is automatically granted access to another participating institution’s network.
“Before eduroam, visitors to UF would need to request a temporary GatorLink credential,” Gale said.
Now, students visiting other universities will have immediate access because their identity is already confirmed, she said.
The new network allows universities to better manage who is connecting to their Wi-Fi network.
“There are people who (corrupt networks to) steal research data or personal information, like Social Security numbers and patient records,” Gale said. “Universities have to be vigilant.”
To prepare a device for eduroam, users should confirm that the eduroam connection link appears on their wireless device, log in and then save the login credentials, according to UFIT’s website. This will allow the device to connect at any eduroam member university or facility.
Eduroam is available in 54 countries and more than 5,000 institutions, according to the website.
Mary Ann Ferguson, a public relations professor and researcher at UF, travels frequently and said eduroam will be helpful for her and her students.
“It’s very useful when abroad,” she said.
[A version of this story ran on page 8 on 4/2/2014 under the headline "UF joins new secure wireless network"]
