Why wouldn't I just use this guest ssid all the time?
It's slower, rate limited to 256K download and upload. Ssid lehigh is faster.
How do I use it?
Just choose the lehigh-guest ssid on your wireless device. Its that easy.
Will it replace the lehigh ssid?
No, the lehigh ssid will stay as Lehigh's premier wireless service for those with Lehigh accounts.
Is it secure, is my traffic encrypted?
No it is not secure. There is no encryption. Make sure your application encrypts your data. For example, Lehigh's email encrypts but others like hotmail, yahoo, etc may not. Use https rather than http whenever possible. Or use a VPN.
Is lehigh-guest susceptible to Firesheep type attacks?
Yes it is, there is no free lunch.
Can I have both security and convenience?
No, they are mutually exclusive.
What are the disadvantage of using the lehigh-guest ssid rather than the regular lehigh ssid?
1) Its slower 2) Its less secure 3) You will have to use the Lehigh VPN if you need to get to a restricted on-campus Lehigh resource from this ssid.
Do I need to use the VPN to read Lehigh's email from lehigh-guest?
No, Lehigh's email is encrypted by your mail reader application and the VPN is not necessary.
What do you mean outside Lehigh's network?
The traffic from this ssid is funneled to the Internet outside of Lehigh's normal network. It's just like using the free wifi at McDondalds, Starbucks, Johnnys, or at home on your DSL connection.
That 256K speed sounds slow?
Not really, it works very well for checking email and general web surfing which is what it's designed for. Its about the speed you will get from other free WiFi networks.
What is this funny IP address?
It does not use Lehigh's normal 128.180.x.x address space. Its uses private addressing and a pool of IP addresses from Lehigh's ISPs.
Are there other restrictions?
Smtp port 25 is not allowed in order to block spammers, you will have to use port 587 encrypted smtp which is standard practice these days. Other restrictions may need to be added in the future.
No splash page?
That is being considered. It would complicate the user experience somewhat because you will have to first fire up a web browser and agree to terms and conditions. Nobody reads them anyway.
Will this make it easier for students to run Bittorrent and not get caught?
Yes, but hopefully the slower speed is a deterrent.
If somebody does something illegal using guest wireless, will Lehigh be liable for it?
Yes, probably.
Will Lehigh be able to track down the perp?
No.
mm 4/19/11