Aruba RAP-2WG Remote Access Point

The Aruba RAP-2WG is a Remote Access Point (RAP) for use with the University Computing Service wireless network. It enables you to use the wireless network when you are away from the University, for example at home or a conference. This provides you with authenticated network access to the CUDN and means that you can access services otherwise restricted to users with local connections. It can also be offered to visiting academics, whether they are staying in hotels or using other accommodation. The wireless service currently offered is eduroam.

The Aruba RAP-2WG is a small device, as can be seen in this photograph. It has two ethernet ports: one is for the connection to your local (e.g. home) internet router, the the other is dedicated to the University telephone network. To work from home all you need is the access point (the power supply is provided) and an ethernet cable. You can then use your computer and your office phone, or any phone registered with the University Telephone System, as if you were at the University.

Like any Access Point, once it is powered up the RAP-2WG acquires an IP address and gateway address from a local DHCP service (for example your home broadband router or a hotel service). It then contacts the University Computing Service wireless controller and forms a secure encrypted tunnel through which the wireless data and VoIP traffic travel.

A RAP-2WG can be rented by anyone, although it will be assigned to an institution and not an individual. Each RAP-2WG has a one-off remote licence payment. It can then be rented or purchased (see the section at the bottom of the Lapwing charges page.

Notes:

• A RAP-2WG is only really suitable for 2 or 3 (depending on the level of usage) users at any one location.
• A RAP-2WG is not suitable for bolstering wireless cover in institutions that already have Lapwing/eduroam.
• A RAP-2WG will be assigned to an institution regardless of whether it is purchased or rented by an institution or an individual.
• A RAP-2WG, whether purchased or rented, has to be configured to use the University wireless network by the Computing Service.
• Only the 'eduroam' SSID is available on RAPs at present; Lapwing is not supplied in order to avoid problems with other devices in the vicinity associating and consuming bandwidth, without using the connection.
• A RAP-2WG only supports 802.11b/g at 2.4GHz.
• Telephone operation is subject to the stability of the internet service provider it is running over; for example if the RAP-2WG is used at home over VirginMedia then the stability of the provision is subject to that of the VirginMedia feed.