The new UWIN will continue to operate in the 2.4 GHz radio band (that we have today) and will add the 5 GHz band (new for UWIN) of wireless operation. Operation today is limited by the three (3) non-overlapping channels available for use in the 2.4 GHz band. The 5 GHz band will allow us twelve (12) additional non-overlapping channels. Additional channels will allow fewer collisions and less interference. Lowering collisions and interference will provide for faster and more reliable wireless operations.

Everyone that uses mobile devices on campus should make sure that when they acquire new devices that the device has the ability to support both 802.11G in the 2.4 GHz band and 802.11N in the 5 GHz band (if available for the device). This will provide the best wireless service available on campus.

For existing laptops or other mobile devices with USB connectors, it is possible to purchase USB adaptors that will add 5 GHz capability to the mobile device. Please see additional reference material below for additional information.

Funding does not permit changing out the entire wireless system over a few weeks. We will begin the rollout the newest technology based on the Student Wireless Survey. The first location put in service will be Dupre Library. We will announce the other locations as they are put online.

We are not junking our existing wireless network. We plan it integrate the old wireless access points into the new control system. This will maintain wireless service in all areas that have service today until the existing access points can be replaced with new UWIN units.

When the new UWIN is deployed … you should always attempt to use “UWIN” first on the 5 GHz band, then “UWIN” on the 2.4 GHz band, and if neither are available please use “UWIN-E”.

Currently, we are not aware of any USB wireless LAN adapters that operate strictly in the 5 GHz band. However, there are several dual band (2.4/5 GHz) wireless adapters. The following are several available choices:

EnGenius Wireless N Dual Band USB Adapter (operates in the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz frequencies)
• Model EUB9801
• Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, Mac OS, and Linux 2.4 and 2.6
• Additional information can be found at: Engenius Wireless USB Adapter website
• Ease of setup: ★★★★
• Usefulness of utility: ★★★★


Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter

• Model WNDA3100
• Compatible with Windows XP Home, XP Professional, Windows 7
• Additional information can be found at: Netgear Wireless USB Adapter website
• Ease of setup: ★★★
• Usefulness of utility: ★★★


D-Link DWA-160 Xtreme N Dual Band USB Adapter

• Product #: DWQ-160
• Compatible with Windows7 , XP, and Vista
• Additional information can be found at: 3Com Wireless USB Adapter website
• Ease of setup: ★★★
• Usefulness of utility: ★★


Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N USB Network Adapter with Dual-Band

• Model WUSB600N
• Compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
• Additional information can be found at: Linksys Wireless USB Adapter website
• Ease of setup: ★★
• Usefulness of utility: ★★

Due to the fact that the new wireless network has not been deployed yet, these models have not been tested in our environment. However, the devices are based upon industry standards and should function properly. As we procure devices and test them, we will publish the results of those tests on the IMN website.