UIS WEBSITE

***Pathology now has Wireless Access !

The preliminary Pathology Wireless project is complete, thanks to a co-operative effort with ITís wireless networking personnel. Pathology now has wireless access-points that were not scheduled to become available to the NRB until at least 2008, when building-wide access-point installation commences.

Over the past month or so, some of you may have already noticed that wireless access points have been placed in certain common areas of the department. These include:
* The 8th and 9th floor conference rooms
* Fishbowl
* Sky Lounge
* Common computer room
* Break room near the Sharpe Lab (future ëStudy Roomí)

Look for the HMS Wireless Quad signs:

These signs will be up soon, denoting wireless-enabled areas.

Signal strength expands well beyond these areas, but does not cover the entire department. Keep in mind that wireless access is slower and more limited than ethernet access throughout the quad, so ìHigh trafficî activities (massive server downloads and uploads, for instance), are not recommended through the wireless network, due to bandwidth and speed concerns. For the most part it is recommended that you continue to use your ethernet connections in the lab areas, even if you detect a wireless signal

If you have a wireless-enabled laptop, your computer should automatically locate the signal, entitled ìHarvard Universityî.

First-time users may be prompted to validate a security certificate. A pop-up window will appear. When prompted, agree to accept the certificate.

Open your browser (Firefox, Netscape, Explorer, etc.) Then, by simply logging on with your eCommons user name & password, you will be able to access the HMS Wireless Quad.

The HMS Wireless Quad is, by design, outside the Firewall, for numerous security reasons. Some users may have trouble accessing the departmental servers. If this is the case, youíll need to connect through the VPN (virtual private network). The same is true for ANY network printing. Printers are protected by the firewall because of vulnerability to various port exploits.

If you do not have a VPN account, you can apply for one here.

Also note that access is limited to members of the Harvard Community (non HMS Members will have to pick the proper wireless server on the web-based log in page). Outside guests are denied access for now. I know of no immediate plans to allow outside guest access. For this reason, ethernet cables will remain available in the conference areas.

For further information, see UIS Wireless Quad website .

Iíd like to thank Paul Williams and Kenji Kono, for their tireless assistance in this project, as well as Peter Howley and Anne Trubia for their help, which speeded things up greatly and allowed us to procure greater coverage.

-Tim Lis