SWANS

SWANS is the Student Wireless Access Network Service, a facility provided by Interface. It enables devices (such as laptops, PDAs, etc) with wireless network capability to connect to the Internet when they're in range of one of our access points, or over a VPN from anywhere on the VUW network.

To use SWANS, you must become an Interface member and have any devices you with to use with SWANS activated. Interface membership costs $10. This will give you access to the SWANS network until the beginning of Trimester 1 of the following year.

Access Provided

SWANS provides you with access to both the university network and the Internet. HTTP is transparently proxied via the MCS proxy.

Access Points

SWANS currently has one access point, which provide coverage in parts of the second floor of Cotton. More will probably not be on the way - suggestions for locations are welcome.

VPN

You can also connect to SWANS via OpenVPN through the VUW wireless network. This allows access almost anywhere on campus.

Wireless Networking

Wireless Ethernet, otherwise known as WiFi or IEEE 802.11b, is technology that allows people to access networks via 2.4GHz radio. Most new laptops now come with wireless networking as an option; add-on cards for laptops that don't are available reasonably cheaply from most computer retailers.

Technical Information

For more technical information on what SWANS is (and how it works), see HowSwansWorks