Wireless at KU

KU Information Technology provides wireless access for both the KU campus community and for guest users at many points across campus. See the Campus IT Resources map to locate wireless zones on campus (including ResNet wireless). Go to the Quick Connect section for instructions on using wireless on campus.

Project Status

KU is finalizing a two-year, $2.6 million wireless initiative to add wireless coverage in approximately 100 new public areas, including 32 buildings that received their first "KU Wireless Zones." Funded by a matching arrangement between Student Senate and the University, the project achieved wireless coverage in classrooms, labs and other selected academic areas on the Lawrence campus.

The final implementation is underway to provide wireless coverage in selected common areas across campus. Student Senate provided consultation to Information Services to determine a priority sequence for the buildings and common areas included in the network expansion. This final phase of the project will improve the current wireless infrastructure in the libraries, the Kansas Union, the Burge Union, and other select locations on campus throughout the summer.

What is a KU Wireless Zone?

A Wireless Zone is a wireless network connection in which a mobile computer user can connect to the local area network (LAN) by using a wireless network card. The Wireless Zones at KU use technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standard.

Where are KU Wireless Zones?

The Campus IT map provides building locations where wireless may be accessed.

What do I need to use a KU Wireless Zone?

  • A computer with wireless network card. You can purchase a wireless network card from the Kansas Union Bookstore.

  • A valid KU Online ID. Visit http://www.ku.edu/computing/services/ for more information or a KUGUEST wireless Online ID. For information about how a KUGUEST wireless ID is created and who can receive one, more information is available here.

  • Any Web browser that supports 128 bit encryption. Some known browsers that meet this requirement are Internet Explorer 5.5 (or higher), Netscape 6.0 (or higher) and Safari 1.0 (or higher).

Is there a KU policy for the use of the KU Wireless Zones?

The official Information Systems wireless policy can be found at http://www.policy.ku.edu/it/networking.shtml

Quick Connect

  1. Take your mobile computer or PDA to a KU Wireless Zone.
  2. Make sure your wireless card detects the unique Service Set Identifier (SSID) that is broadcast by the KU Wireless Zones (see the locations list). If your wireless card is set to automatically detect the SSID, it should configure your laptop or PDA accordingly. If your computer does not connect to an access point or receive a wireless signal, manually enter the SSID in your wireless client. The SSID for KU faculty, staff and students is JAYHAWK (upper case). Visitors may use the KUGUEST SSID after they have been set up by their KU sponsoring host's department.
  3. Open your web browser. You will be asked whether you want to be redirected to a secure site, which is the wireless authentication gateway. Click "Yes" to be redirected. (If you do not receive a redirect prompt, type www.ku.edu (or any web address) into the address line and click the browser's "Go" button to be redirected to the wireless authentication gateway.)
  4. Upon entering the wireless authentication gateway, enter your KU Online ID and password. Once your authenticated, you're ready to access the Internet.
    It will be necessary to re-authenticate for the following reasons:
    • Each time you connect to a KU Wireless Zone or move to another KU Wireless Zone.
    • If your computer is idle for a long period of time.

What if I have problems?

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
Get Help from the IT Customer Service Center 785/864-8080 or email itcsc@ku.edu

Additional Information

The KU Wireless Zones are partially funded by KU students through the Tuition Enhancement Technology Funds. The locations of these new zones were selected in collaboration with the KU Student Senate.

The KU Wireless Zones are managed by KU Information Technology. Any campus wireless resource not on the IT Campus Resource Map is not an official KU Wireless Zone.

Wireless performance may be affected by rain, dense objects between the user and the wireless antennae, and heavy bandwidth usage by nearby users.