Networking Services

Contact TechDesk for Assistance; note hours of operation

• Web form: http://www.ucop.edu/irc/services/tsdprobrpt.html
• E-mail: TechDesk@ucop.edu
• Phone: 987-0457
• Walk in: Franklin 7116

IR&C 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:

• Terms and Conditions for Use of UCOP Data Network Services (including the Network Security and Blocking Policy)
• Security Requirements for All UCOP Networked Devices
• Policy on Use of Electronic Information Resources

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

Two wireless networks are available at UCOP: "OPnet" for employees and contractors and "UCOP" for visitors. 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.

OPnet
OPnet is the authenticated wireless network and is available only for UCOP employees and contractors with Active Directory usernames and passwords. OPnet is available in all UCOP downtown Oakland buildings. Once you have connected to OPnet, authentication information is retained on your wireless client. This means you generally will not have to re-authenticate if you leave the coverage area and return, or if your wireless client device goes to sleep and wakes up or is rebooted.

To connect to the OPnet network:

• Go to your wireless connections menu and select OPnet."
• At the prompt, provide your regular UCOP username and password.
• iPhone and iPad users, and users of most other smartphones or tablet: Enter the domain name (ad) along with the username. For example, ad\username."
• Windows users: The domain is filled in for you on the log-in panel. After entering the username and password, you will be connected to the network.

UCOP
UCOP is the guest wireless network and may be accessed in most conference rooms in the UCOP downtown Oakland buildings. Anyone using UCOP will need to re-authenticate whenever they leave the wireless coverage area and return, or when the wireless client device goes to sleep and wakes up or is rebooted. Instructions for using the UCOP guest wireless network are posted in the conference rooms where the service is available.

To connect to the UCOP network:

• Go to your wireless connections menu, select the network called UCOP," 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 the TechDesk at 987-0457 if you need further assistance.

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.

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 IT Services and E-mail Accounts form. 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 XP or Mac OS 10.3 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.