Contact TechDesk for Assistance; note hours of operation
IR&C Communication Services provides high-speed data networking services for the University of California Office of the President. All personnel using UCOP networking services are expected to read and adhere to the following policies:
Wired, Wireless, and VPN network connections are available; descriptions of each service are provided below.
Wired
Connections
Wired connections to UCOP's network are provided within all
UCOP buildings for electronic devices used for UCOP business. This type
of connection provides users the broadest range of capabilities and
the highest transmission rates available, and is protected by the UCOP
firewall. All devices utilizing the wired connections must meet UCOP's
Security
Requirements for All UCOP Networked Devices. Devices
that do not meet these security requirements will be disconnected from
the network.
Accessing Wired Services: All UCOP departments are wired for network connections. To obtain additional network jacks, submit an iRequest through your department.
Wireless
Connections
Wireless networking allows a computer to access online services
without the use of cables. Wireless access to the Internet is available
for UCOP personnel and guests attending meetings in most UCOP medium
and large conference rooms in the 1111 Franklin, 300 Lakeside, and 415
20th Street buildings. For security reasons, UCOP wireless services
provide access to the public Internet only, not to the internal UCOP
network. As a result, wireless users are not protected by the UCOP firewall.
Accessing Wireless Services: Instructions for using wireless are posted in the conference rooms where the service is available. To use the wireless connection service, you must have a standards based 802.11b/g wireless access card. (IR&C currently does not support BLUETOOTH or 802.11a.) Turn on your laptop computer and launch your Web browser. You will automatically be re-directed to a login page. Enter the username/password provided by the signs in the conference rooms. You should then be connected.
Troubleshooting: If you have launched your Web browser but do not get the login page, try the following:
- Disable and re-enable your wireless connection.
- Reboot you laptop and launch you Web browser again.
- Call Desktop Computing Services at 987-0457 or e-mail the if you need further assistance.
Connection Speed: Depending on your wireless access card and your proximity to the nearest access point; you will connect anywhere from 1Mbs to 54Mbs. The infrastructure is capable of supporting numerous users at speeds up to 54Mbs.
VPN Connections
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service is available for UCOP managed computers to enable authorized wireless and remote users to
securely access internal UCOP electronic resources without being physically located in a UCOP building.
Essentially, a VPN is a means of enabling secure and private communications over a public network. For example, when working offsite, an employee may need to access restricted UCOP electronic resources, such as printers or shared file servers, or to remotely manage computers, drives, and systems located behind the UCOP firewall. This can be done with a VPN, which provides—via the public Internet—secure communications from remote locations to the restricted UCOP network.
Note to Managers. For security reasons, the VPN service should be provided only to employees who have a genuine business need to remotely access secure UCOP resources. This may include systems managers or frequent business travelers who need to access shared files or send e-mail to non UCOP addresses. The VPN service is not provided simply for accessing e-mail from home. Most UCOP departments will migrate to Microsoft Exchange for e-mail and calendar services. Exchange will provide users the ability via a Web browser to access e-mail from home and send messages to any address.
More Information. For more detailed information about the VPN service and how it works, review the Frequently Asked Questions.
Accessing VPN Services. Individuals who want to utilize the VPN service must complete the Application for UCOP IT Services. After receiving an application and verifying that the prerequisites have been met, IR&C Technology Services Desk will schedule a time to meet with the user, install the VPN software, and offer training.
Prerequisites. Several prerequisites must be met before VPN service can be provided:
- Management Approval. Authorization by a manager or supervisor is required for an individual to be set up with the VPN service.
- Departmental Participation in the Centralized AD. The user’s department must participate in IR&C’s Managed Desktop Initiative, and be incorporated into the centralized Active Directory.
- Compliance with Security Policy. The user’s computer must be configured to comply with UCOP’s Security Requirements for All UCOP Networked Devices .
- Supported Operating System. The user’s computer must use one of the following operating systems supported by IR&C: Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Mac OS 10.2 or higher.
- UCOP Managed Desktop Computer or Laptop. The user’s computer must be managed by UCOP; VPN access is not provided for personal equipment.
