CampusNet is a combined initiative of the University of Wollongong and Nortel Networks to build a state of the art secure Wireless Network covering public areas of the University's main campus in Wollongong. CampusNet will provide wireless Internet access to the University's existing network for staff and students using laptop computers or other mobile devices.

CampusNet is the first network of its kind in Australia, placing the University of Wollongong at the forefront of Wireless Information Technology development. The intiative represents a $0.5M investment on behalf of Nortel Networks and the University.

To access CampusNet a user will simply need to be in the range of one of the many wireless access points deployed throughout the Wollongong campus. The wireless access technology employed in this application is the IEEE 802.11 protocol.

Wireless access security is supplemented with the provision of Nortel Networks Virtual Private Networking (VPN) technology, which will provide a highly secure wireless access network. CampusNet is designed around international standards for ease of integration and to allow for "off the shelf" products to be used in its construction. No proprietary components are included.

Areas targeted for wireless coverage include those public locations most commonly used by staff and students: lecture theatres, the library, the main Unversity hall, common seating areas, the food hall, and parkland areas.

CampusNet will have widespread uses in the University and Nortel Networks community including:

• Research and development in the area of Wireless networks and Smart Internet Technologies.

• Enable flexible course content delivery mechanisms to be employed within the traditional 'lecture' framework

• The ability to work in a pleasant environment

• Reduced reliance on the University's computing laboratories

• Provide a flexible, upgradable networking infrastructure adaptable to the requirements of the University

• Provide temporary access to the University network without requirement for permanent network cabling, e.g exhibitions, enrolment and promotions

CampusNet is an example of the strong links between the University and industry. The network was made possible through a collaboration between Nortel Networks (here on campus), the University's Information Technology Services (ITS), and The Telecommunications and Information Technology Research Institute (TITR). TITR is one of the University's five research insititutes. Nortel Networks and the University have formed a strong alliance in combining their skills during the planning and construction of CampusNet.

TITR and Nortel Networks are also currently involved in a Cooperative Research Center (CRC) grant application in the area of Smart Internet Technologies. CampusNet will play a crucial role in this CRC, providing a test bed for innovative new Internet technologies. CampusNet will also serve numerous additional purposes, including:

• Raising the profile of the University of Wollongong as a leader in Information Technology and Telecomminications research in Australia

• Providing a significant example of the collaborative efforts between the University and industry

• Increasing the exposure of students to relevant Information Technologies, enhancing their educational experience

This is a unique opportunity for Nortel Networks to provide and test innovative networking technologies on a live network. The users of CampuNet will have the opportunity to take advantage of 'cutting edge' applications and technologies. CampusNet is an ideal platform for future collaborative research and development efforts by both the University of Wollongong and Nortel Networks.

Back to CampusNet Home