Access to the ULg’s wireless network (WiFi)

Warning: WiFi use requires identity verification based on the ULg username and password of the user, student (see the page) or member of University personnel (see the page).

If it is necessary to connect an external person to this network (who does not have a ULg username), the DCU (Decentralised Computing Unit) concerned can create a temporary account.
Exception to this obligation: see further down the page ‘Access without identification.’


The University’s wireless infrastructure

The ULg has wished to equip itself with a wireless infrastructure covering very widely the Institution’s sites (over 700 access points). This infrastructure should allow people with a laptop computer to move around the University whilst retaining a network connection and the associated facilities (mail, internet access, etc.).

It is in no way aimed at replacing connections wired to fixed workstations, which remain more effective and reliable.

Currently all the workstations fitted with a WiFi card bearing 802.11b or 802.11g standards should be capable of getting connected.

Two types of access to the wireless network are available

  • Secured access, which is recommended, and which requires a specific configuration for the laptop computer but offers a higher level of security
  • HotSpot access, which more often than not requires no laptop configuration but whose security levels are modest.

As far as possible, always choose the secured connection!
The 2 types are described below.

Secured access (called ‘ULg-Secure’)

Here a configuration of the system is compulsory.

But the advantages are fundamental: on the one hand ALL your activity on the ULg’s WiFi network is encrypted, including access to normally non-secured applications; on the other hand your connection is authenticated and encrypted (no identity theft). No espionage is thus possible. Remind yourself of the several basic security regulations.

The configurations for Windows, Mac and Linux are available at the bottom of this page.

Non-secured HotSpot access (called ‘ULg-Open’)

On activating your wireless connection, your laptop will also discover the presence of the HotSpot network, called ‘ULg-Open’.

In principle a configuration is not necessary. The procedure is nevertheless detailed below.

In the HotSpot mode, two possibilities are offered:

Secured identification

You have to open your web navigator and try to access a page of your choice. You will then immediately receive a request for authentication (which will be encrypted); you provide your ULg username and password (see the page for students and the page reserved for ULg personnel), and thus obtain access to the network.

The rest of your communication will nonetheless take place in non-encrypted mode. It is thus your responsibility to ensure that the applications accessed are secured (by way of example, the MyULg and Penelope portals are secured).

Furthermore, in HotSpot,  the use of the ULg’s mail servers requires a secured e-mail configuration (see the page dedicated to students, see the page reserved to members of the ULG’s personnel) for your e-mail software (for access in POP or IMAP, and SMTP mode).

Access without identification

As an exception to the above, if you only wish to manage your mail, the ULg’s e-mail servers can be accessed without prior network identification, but their use will still require a secured e-mail configuration (see the page dedicated to students, see the page reserved to members of the ULG’s personnel) for the software.

Without prior network identification, foreign visitors will only be able to use their own e-mail server, and on the express condition that they use a secured configuration (with ‘secure’ ports other than the 25 for their SMTP server).

Connection configuration

The configurations for the main platforms are presented below. Should you experience any difficulties getting them to work, do not hesitate to contact your DCU or your local computer support personnel.

As a reminder we strongly advise you to use the secured connection so as to ensure the security and confidentiality of your data.

Secured mode:

HotSpot mode:

Further information

Print version Page updated on 2013-06-05
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