Case Studies
Victoria University has over 2,000 students and staff who regularly use the wireless network to access the Internet and research material. That number is expected to grow significantly, prompting the University to re-consider how it manages security and the registration of these wireless users.
Challenge
The process for registering students into the supporting authentication database was a lengthy and tedious manual process, covering 12 campuses and 50,000 students. "Students were required to fill out application forms to register, which were then sent to IT administration staff, who then input the student’s information as well as the laptop’s unique Media Access Control (MAC) address into a database before sending an email to the student confirming registration," said Tim Horvat, Communications Manager, Victoria University.
"This process could take up to two days to complete, so the University decided to take steps to improve students’ access to its network, as well as simplify the process of student registration," he said. The financial support for this activity came from the Higher Education Innovation Program of the Department of Education, Science and Training.
Solution
NetStar’s solution was a secure wireless Authentication gateway with high network security. Using one of the University’s wireless base stations, the student’s laptop webpage is directed to a secure authentication page. Once the student logs in, relevant university resources can be accessed immediately. University staff can also access the wireless network for activities such as conducting research or uploading lecture notes. They find this service particularly helpful when they are away from their usual campus, in meetings or teaching rounds.
Because each student and staff member has a unique login, laptops that have already had the MAC address captured by the university database can be shared between students to access the network. For students who do not own or have access to laptops, the university also loans laptops as part of the regular library borrowing service.
Oliver Descoeudres, Netstar Australia’s Marketing Director, added: "The University wanted a customised wireless solution that would fully automate the registration and approval process for students wanting to access University resources using their laptops."
Victoria University plans to expand its hotspots to additional sites across its twelve campuses. Currently, there are wireless base stations in all libraries and around ten per cent of the buildings. The University is planning to increase this figure to around 50 per cent.
Benefits
The solution has decreased registration time from two days to just ten minutes. Operating costs associated with the manual process have been eliminated by the new web based registration system. "The unique addition of automating the registration process has turned what used to be a time-consuming and costly task into a streamlined process," said Mr Horvat. "Our students are happier, and IT staff can now focus on other initiatives that can further enhance the student’s experience."
"The wireless Authentication gateway maximises student and staff access to information and resources while providing a secure, convenient solution from now into the future," he said.
