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A map of the Twin Cities campus wireless locations (see an interactive version)
The University of Minnesota wireless network is the centrally managed Office of Information Technology (OIT) service that provides campus affiliates and guests with wireless Internet access as they roam the Twin Cities and Rochester campuses or visit University Extension Services sites.
Wireless networking developed at the U of M as a grassroots effort. OIT provided a limited amount of access points across campus wherever they could, but if University departments wanted to provide wireless signals in additional locations, it was up to them to do it. Results of this, along with the size of the University, causes the radio frequency (RF) around campus to be random. Please visit the OIT wireless map to see where coverage is located.
The nature of the 802.11 standard and basic laws of physics place limits on wireless networks. Physical impediments such as thick walls, metal structures and trees all interfere with radio wave propagation and thus cut down the range of system APs. There are some areas where coverage is spotty or difficult. OIT makes every reasonable effort to augment and tune wireless coverage as needed. However, in some cases it may be more feasible to use wired etherjack service instead of wireless.
There are more than 2,600 wireless access points deployed on the system. The network runs on 802.11n technology and improves rogue Access Point (AP) and intrusion detection, central management operations, guest access services, and more. OIT is honored to offer this service allowing University Students and Staff the ability to collaborate for education and research initiatives state wide.
