KU joins global consortium offering wireless access for traveling scholars


LAWRENCE — To support domestic and international outreach and collaboration as part of its Bold Aspirations strategic initiative, the University of Kansas has partnered with eduroam, a secure, worldwide roaming Internet access service developed for the international research and education communities.

KU faculty, staff and students visiting other participating institutions around the world can use their KU username and password to gain wireless Internet access. Conversely, visitors from eduroam partner institutions can connect to KU’s wireless network using their home institution credentials.

“International relationships are crucially important to strengthening our university,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jeff Vitter. “Our eduroam partnership will support KU travelers as they work and study abroad. In addition, KU attracts top scholars, researchers and visitors from around the world, and this service is a valuable one we can offer to our guests from other eduroam institutions.”

Eduroam began in Europe, and the growing consortium has nearly 6,000 member organizations in 58 countries, including 78 active institutions in the United States. KU is one of a small but growing number of top U.S. research institutions that have joined eduroam.

“We are proud to be one of the first universities in the central United States and one of only two Big 12 institutions to participate in eduroam,” said Bob Lim, KU Chief Information Officer. “KU is a leader in providing technology, which supports the university’s Bold Aspirations’ goal of being recognized as a top-tier international research institution.”

Eduroam is based on secure encryption and authentication standards, using the wireless networks of participating institutions. It offers a more secure alternative to public Wi-Fi hot spots. Eduroam visitors to KU, for example, will access the Internet through KU’s secure wireless network, which covers the Lawrence campus and parts of the Edwards Campus.

“Mobile devices are increasingly important to faculty, staff and students, and eduroam provides hassle-free, secure wireless access when advancing the university’s goals while traveling,” Lim said.

There is no cost to join eduroam, either for institutions or for their users. To learn more, go to the Information Technology site or visit eduroam.


Tue, 12/04/2012

author

David Day

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David Day

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