Overview of CAEN Wireless

CAEN Wireless is available to all members of the University of Michigan community (including visitors). It provides easy access to the Internet with a web-based authentication system, as well as offering the proven security of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The network is based on IEEE 802.11g technology. For a comparison of the differences between the web-based system and the VPN, see our comparison chart. 

Web-Based Access

In order to access many web-based resources, simply start your laptop and open up a web browser. The browser will automatically be redirected to the main CAEN Wireless login page where you are asked to enter your U-M uniqname and UMICH.EDU (Kerberos) password. It should be noted that, due to security measures, this web-based access will only allow certain network traffic to pass. For example:

• Web resources that can be accessed with most web browsers (http & https), like webmail & mfile
• SSH and SFTP/SCP connections to anywhere on the Internet
• SSL-based (IMAPS and POP3S) email access to anywhere on the Internet

Specific information on what traffic is allowed through the web-based system is available here.

VPN-Based Access

Those who require access to network resources beyond what is available via web-based access may use the U-M Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. The VPN is designed to provide encrypted connections so any data sent over the wireless network is secure. This is accomplished in a number of ways to allow a secure wireless computing experience (Note: You are not required to log in at web-based system in order to use the VPN):

• Support of Common Operating Systems - In addition to the built-in Mac OS X VPN client,  CAEN Wireless supports the common operating systems used by the U-M VPN service.
• No Registration Required - Access to the Internet is done using your U-M uniqname and UMICH.EDU (Kerberos) password. There is no need to register the hardware address of your wireless adapter. Just turn on your computer, start the VPN client, and go!
• Secure, Encrypted Data Transfer - The VPN is designed to address wireless security concerns. It is separate from the rest of the network; connecting to the VPN will only provide access to the campus VPN server. Connecting to the Internet requires that you run the VPN client. This will authenticate and encrypt your traffic, ensuring that all of your wireless traffic is secure.

Note: The VPN client will only encrypt your wireless network traffic (i.e. data sent "over the air"). To ensure that all traffic is secure once it traverses the Internet, you should use encrypted protocols whenever possible. It is also important to make sure your computer is updated with the most current operating system patches and anti-virus software. Following good IT security practices will help protect your computer both on the CAEN network and on the Internet at home.