University of CalgaryAirUC Comtech Report

December 13, 2005

AirUC Wireless: More Strategic Than Wired

• Tom Seto– Associate Director, Infrastructure– Dept of Information Technologies– University of Calgary

– Responsible for Network Services, Telecommunications, and the Data Centre

Campus Technology Vision

Connected Campus

“Enabling the learning, research, and administrative, and community goals of the U of C, through the effective and efficient use of technology; allowing people to access information they need, at the required time, in the desired location, and in the appropriate format”

Wireless Project Sponsor

• In December, 2004, President Harvey Weingarten decided that wireless access for students was a top priority

• Funding was made available for two years

Wireless Initiative

• Phase I– August 31, 2005– Targeting “student spaces”– Ground floor of all buildings with student spaces– Add 400 access points

• Phase II– August 31, 2006– Ubiquitous campus coverage– Add 800 access points

Wireless Coverage

http://www.ucalgary.ca/it/computing/netserv/wireless/images/airmap/

Why Did We Choose Aruba?

1. Wireless Switch Technology– http://www.arubanetworks.com/pdf/WLAN-s

witching.pdf– “dumb” access points (APs)– All traffic tunneled back to central controllers– Can place APs on dedicated wired networks

or on any network on campus, on the Supernet, or anywhere else on the Internet

Security

2. Security– ICSA Certification– Per User Firewall– VPN Termination– Basic IDS/IPS (Strong offering available)– Virus Control offloading (via Fortinet)– Remediation (via Sygate OEM)– Full Featured Captive Portal

Additional Critical Features

3. Additional Critical Features– Wireless delivery across internet/NAT boundaries

(AirUC at home or anywhere on the internet)– Can route wired connections through Controller to

offer functionality to wired ports (captive portal, firewall, guest access, virus control, remediation, etc.)

– Infinite expandability of number of AP’s – Make use of existing AP’s (roaming, captive portal,

some management) – Others must replace all legacy AirUC AP’s

– Integrates with Microsoft NAP (Network Access Protocol)

– Remote packet capture from any AP

Applications

• Student access to Portal, BlackBoard, webdisk, email• VoWIP Voice over Wireless IP• GSM/WiFi Phones (UMA – Unlicensed Mobile Access)• Private VLANs• Parking• Security• Inventory• Bookstore• Museum• RFID

UMA

Cellular/WiFi Dual-mode phones

• Regular Cell plan with free VoIP over WiFi

• Strategic direction for campus telecom– Replace desksets and cell phone with single

device

• Requires Seamless Roaming

Interoperating with Your Access Points

You know who you are out there!

• Channels – 1, 6, 11

• Can provide a VLAN with your SSID and choice of security (WEP, WPA)

• Remote VLAN access– Can provide AirUC or your SSID at a remote

site anywhere on the Internet

Blackboard Student Survey Results

Question 2

Blackboard Student Survey Results

Question 11

Notes & Course MaterialsReview notes after classSample exams & assignments

AnnouncementsDiscussion boards

Input from both students & profGroup projects

File exchange & emailGradesAssignment submission

Blackboard Student Survey Results

Question 15

Elluminate

More Strategic than Wired(1)

• Access– Usage growing rapidly– Many more devices – PDA, Blackberries, UMA

phones– Future faster wireless technologies

• WiMax, 802.1n, etc.

– Many more uses – IM, Videoconference, etc– Re-assess computer lab strategy

• Currently around 2500 computers across campus• AirUC usage high-water mark so far @ 1200

– Remote AirUC over Internet

More Strategic than Wired(2)

• Cabling– 15,000 cable runs– 80% still Cat 3– Revising cabling standard

• Network– Standards revising– More POE switches– Less drops per location– Gig home runs only as required

More Strategic than Wired(3)

• Telecom– Migration of TDM to VoIP– Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)

• Cell voice and data services over WiFi• 1000 university-paid cell plans• Combine deskset & cell handset

Where are we now?

• Number of access points (APs): 700

• Number of buildings with coverage: 35

• Total coverage: 290,000 sq m

• Total University space: 509,000 sq m

Questions?

Contacts:Architecture & Security– Dean Berschl – dberschl@ucalgary.ca

Deployment & Operation– David Yang – yang@ucalgary.ca

• He’s here at AirHeads

Installation– Terry Bellward – bellward@ucalgary.ca

Website: http://www.ucalgary.ca/it/wireless