Persons who are formally affiliated with UAB gain access to university-managed electronic resources by means of an officially recognized credential called a “BlazerID."  A non-UAB person who needs access to these resources is not eligible to create a BlazerID, and is thus required to obtain a guest username and password.  Guest accounts (also referred to as “XIAS” accounts) must be sponsored by a UAB employee, and are subject to an approval and setup process. 

Who is a guest?

Guest accounts can be used for many purposes at UAB.  Guests can fall into a number of categories, including but not limited to:

  • A researcher accessing data stored on a UAB SharePoint site
  • A colleague from another institution who needs to access a UAB file share
  • A vendor that is remotely supporting a UAB-owned system via VPN
  • A site visitor conducting an accreditation review who needs local network access
  • A consultant who needs system access to conduct on-site installation or maintenance  
  • A meeting or conference attendee who needs to access UAB WiFi
  • A high school guidance counselor who needs access to Banner


FOR SPONSORS

As a Sponsor, use the links below to begin the process of setting up a guest account.  Once you have completed the underlying form(s), the sponsored user or users will receive automated emails that will guide them through the process of completing the setup.  Once the setup is complete, you will receive an email confirmation and information on next steps.

I would like to…

      Give a guest access to hardware or software that they support in your area

      Give a guest access to the UAB VPN

      Give a guest access to a SharePoint site or other Windows-based resource

      Give a guest access to connect to UAB WIFI while they are visiting the campus


FOR GUESTS

As a guest, you will receive an automated email that with instructions on how to complete the setup of your sponsored account.  You can use the link below to manage certain aspects of your account, such as a forgotten password.  Please note that as a guest you are not able to initiate the account creation process; this must be done by a valid UAB-affiliated sponsor.

       Manage my guest account

 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

WIFI Guest User Access

Connectivity

Industry standard 802.11 a/b/g wireless data network providing access to the campus network and Internet.  Access to the network requires authentications and authorization through the UAB enterprise directory.

Terms of service

All persons (including guests) utilizing the UABVisitor network are required to abide by relevant UAB policies, including the Policy for Acceptable Use of Computer and Network Resources (AUP). Guests must agree to the AUP when authenticating to the network. Any abuse of the service or UAB resources by a guest will result in termination of their access and potential suspension of the associated Allocation account where applicable. Additional setup or programming fees may be required for reactivation.

Privacy

Unencrypted sensitive data should not be transmitted through the UABVisitor network. SSL and/or VPN is strongly recommended for most uses. Guests should expect that their contact information and any records of network usage activity will be made available to legal authorities if requested through appropriate channels.

Security

Devices connected to the UABVisitor network should have all current OS security patches applied, and the use of personal firewall software is strongly recommended.

ID/Password

Each individual connecting to the UABVisitor network must be authenticated on a daily basis at minimum, with their own valid ID and password from the UAB enterprise directory. There is no option for shared, anonymous, or casual access.

SSID

In order to connect a device to the UABVisitor network, it is necessary to configure an SSID into its wireless adapter. The UABVisitor network is unencrypted and does not require an encryption key. Users are strongly encouraged to use SSL or VPN for sensitive data.

  

Target Audience

  • Plan A:  "Managed Allocation": Departments that routinely host short-term events such as continuing education classes, conferences, or sports camps. These events typically draw numbers of visitors to campus who request or require Internet access and can make use of Wifi capability.
  • Plan B:  "Ad-hoc Service": Departments that only occasionally host a visiting faculty, or vendor. These guests need Internet access temporarily and can utilize Wifi with their laptop in order make a presentation, contact company resources, or check their email.

Request Access and Provisioning

  • Plan A:  Guest Wifi Allocation account will be established which allows designated departmental staff to assign Wifi access for their visitors, through the use of an authenticated Web site at https://commservices.comm.uab.edu/guestwifi/login.aspx without ongoing requests to UABIT. The Allocation account will be provisioned with a maximum number of slots which can be in use at any given time.
  • Plan B:  Departmental finance officers and/or their designees can request Wifi access for a visitor on an as-needed basis, by submitting a service order to UABIT via an authenticated Web site at https://commservices.comm.uab.edu/guestwifi/login.aspx

Turnaround

  • Plan A:  Five business days to establish a new Allocation account, immediate guest access activation.
  • Plan B:  Immediate guest access activation

Cost

  • Plan A:  Setup fee of $20 per allocation account, and then $8.50 per month per available access slot
  • Plan B:  $1.50 per day per guest

 

Direct Link to Guest Wifi Request login

Published in FAQ - Infrastructure

How do I find my IP Address and Network Settings?

The IP Address and network settings are used for addressing and routing over an Ethernet network. It is your computer or printer's logical (virtual) address.

An IP Address looks like this: 138.26.1.201

 

SOLUTION:

Windows 7, Vista, XP

  1. Open a DOS Window (Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt).
  2. Type the command: ipconfig -all | more.

Macintosh

  1. Open System Preferences in the Dock.
  2. Click the Network tab.
Published in FAQ - Infrastructure
Friday, September 28, 2012

Connecting iOS Devices to UAB WiFi

Connecting an iPhone or iPod Touch to uabwifi-nac

The UAB wifi network supports iPhone and iPod touch devices running iPhone or iPod Touch OS version 2.2 or higher. Before attempting to connect to the UAB network, please ensure the device is up to date by connecting it to iTunes and performing a software update. You should then follow the steps below to connect your Apple wireless device to uabwifi-nac.

Note: You must be on campus and within range of the UAB wireless network to perform these steps.

1. Open the "Settings" application.

2. Select "Wi-Fi."

3. Select "uabwifi-nac" (Note: do not select 'uabwifi').

4. When prompted for username and password, enter your BlazerID & Password.

5. When prompted for an unverified certificate, click "Accept."

6. Press the Home button.

7. Open the "Safari" application.

8. If your device does not automatically load the UAB network registration page, attempt to open www.uab.edu in Safari.

9. You will be prompted for your BlazerID, Password, and a phone number.

10. After submitting the information the device will be registered on the uabwifi-nac network and will automatically connect any time it is in range.

Published in FAQ - Infrastructure
Sunday, January 01, 2012

Who has access to UABWiFi?

UABWiFi is available to all students, faculty and staff free of charge. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get access to UABWiFi.

Guest user access is also available.

Published in FAQ - Infrastructure

The following devices are currently supported for registration:

  • Microsoft Xbox & Xbox 360
  • Sony Playstation 2 & Playstation 3
  • Sony Playstation Portable (PSP)
  • Nintendo Wii
  • TiVo DVR
  • Nintendo Gamecube

Please follow these steps to register your device:

1. Visit the registration site: http://bradford-nas-vip.dpo.uab.edu/registration/GameRegister.html

2. Enter the required information including your BlazerID, Password, MAC address, and Device Type. For instructions on how to determine your MAC address, click on the type of device you are using from the list under "How to find the MAC" on the left side of the page.

3. Click "Register."

 

 

Note: The console must be connected directly to the Ethernet port on the wall. Please note that switches, hubs or routers may not be used to connect multiple devices at the same time. The game console should be configured to automatically obtain an IP address (also known as DHCP); this is the default in most cases. If you need to change your device settings to DHCP, please contact the manufacturer of the console or visit their website for support.

Published in FAQ - Infrastructure
Sunday, January 01, 2012

WiFi

Using the UAB Wireless Networkwifi

UAB IT provides a wireless network in support of the academic, research, and administrative work of the UAB community. This wireless network serves classrooms, common areas, green spaces, and many other popular areas around campus. 

Map of UAB WiFi Zones

To use this network, you must have a computer with a wireless network adapter. Three wireless networks are available:

  • UAB wifi-nac 
    • Provides a more secure and seamless wireless environment for all UAB wireless network users. uabwifi-nac is the recommended wireless network for all wireless users and is currently the only wireless network available to students.
  • UAB wifi
  • UABVisitor (for guest access use only)


Setup Instructions

Faculty & Staff / Students - Setup Instructions for Windows and Mac

Faculty & Staff / Students - Setup Instructions for iOS Devices 

Guest User Access

 

Issues with WiFi

If you have an issue with the UAB WiFi network please report those concerns to AskIT ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; www.uab.edu/askit; 205-996-5555)