Project Management

Overview of Project

What is Happening?

In response to a university-wide network security audit performed by the Office of Audit Services, and presented to the OSU Board of Trustees in Spring of 2018, Information Services (IS) will retire the OSU_Access open un-secured wireless network. OSU_Access is one of three methods to connect wirelessly to the campus internet.

IS recommends that users configure their devices to use the eduroam wireless network. Eduroam provides secure connectivity on the OSU wireless network, with the added benefit of being able to connect to at many institutions around the United States and the world. Alternatively, OSU_Secure offers a secure connection as well. (Note there is no difference in performance between the two).

Finally, the "Visitor" wireless network is provided as an open, un-secured alternative for campus guests, and is provided by Peak Internet, an external Internet Service Provider.

Why is this happening?

A university-wide network security audit was performed and the findings recommended removing OSU_Access from our wireless connection offerings due to the unsecured nature of the connection.

When is this happening?

The retirement process will occur in multiple phases, with the first phase happening on a targeted date of September 4, 2018.

Timeline:

1. First Phase: Retire OSU_Access from University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) facilities and buildings with high concentrations of administrative staff. At minimum, the following buildings will be targeted:
   • UHDS facilities
   • Athletics facilities
   • Kerr Administration Building
   • Snell Hall
   • Jefferson Street Building (JSB)
   • University Plaza
   • Milne Computer Center
   • Student Experience Center (SEC)
   • Beth Ray Center
   • Memorial Union (MU)
   • Learning Innovation Center (LINC)
2. Following Phases: Retire OSU_Access in all other locations (TBD).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there a plan for devices that do not support user-based authentication?

IS has a working solution for device-based secure wireless connections. It will require devices to support ‘certificate-based’ WPA2-Enterprise security. Process and procedures are still being worked out. We envision this to be used for 'loaner laptops', and the like.