We're doing something a little different from the main Stanford campus. The main campus AP's do not use encryption. However, we're currently using WEP. We're in the process of looking at the alternatives too (WPA vs. VPN). The main campus is looking to require VPN whenever secure communications are required...but not requiring VPN by default for AP access.
Here at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, we're looking to move from WEP to WPA. There are really two arguments that come to mind...and they're from the user experience perspective. Argument for WPA: Regardless if you use a laptop with wired connection in your office vs. wireless, the experience is the same. If you're off campus, the experience is completely different. This appears to be a more widely acceptable solution in terms of how users think of the experience relationships (on campus/ off campus, wired/ wireless). Argument for VPN: Regardless if you are on campus or off campus, the experience to access applications is identical. However, this creates a different experience for users between wired and wireless connections...even in their office. This also seems to be a more challenging experience for users to keep track of. I'm sure others may have other recommendations. Regards, Tim ______________________________________ Tim M. Crawford Associate Director, IT Operations Stanford Graduate School of Business 650.724.2447 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: Robinson, Ronald [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 12:00 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] WPA or VPN We are in the process of re-evaluating the security on our wireless network. Currently we support Dynamic WEP/802.1x and WPA with PEAP authentication. What I would like to know from this group is the pros and cons to using WPA/2 or VPN, especially with regards to end user support and, if you are migrating from one to the other, your reasons for doing so. ------------------------------------------------------ Ron Robinson, Network Architect, Bradley University 1501 West Bradley Ave. | E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Morgan Hall Room 205F | Phone: (309) 677-3350 Peoria, Illinois 61625 | FAX: (309) 677-3460 ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
