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whats_an_e-meal


   Good question! In a nutshell (or should we say "net"shell), an E-Meal is anything you eat while accessing the campus network using tamulink, the wireless network service offered by Dining Services and the CIS Network Group. tamulink is the ultimate in convenience for studying, doing research, checking email, or just surfing the 'net. No wires, no hassle...just grab some grub, have a seat, and start surfing!

 

eMeal > | in a nutshell | Products |

How does tamulink work?

Another good question! First, you must have access to an 802.11b wireless-enabled device such as a laptop PC running Mac OS, Windows, Linux, etc. Next, visit any tamulink-equipped location and configure your device to connect to tamulink. Your device will automatically obtain its network configuration via DHCP. Fire up your VPN client (see below), and you're ready to have an E-Meal! If you use this service, we'd love to have your feedback.


Look for these signs cropping up all over campus!

For network security and data privacy, tamulink requires the use of the TAMU VPN client, which is available for Mac OS, Windows, and several flavors of UNIX. The CIS instruction page has detailed information on getting set up for tamulink, but here's the short version:

  • Get a wireless card for your laptop.
  • Set up your CLAIM account.
  • Download and install the VPN client on your computer.
  • Create a new VPN login configuration, appending "+tamulink" to your CLAIM user ID, NAT transparency enabled, NAT Port 443:

settings_1

Also, under the Advanced... settings, be sure to enable the Tunnel IP and Exclude DHCP (bootp) options:

settings_2

What about security and standards?

When you use tamulink, your network data is encrypted all the way to the campus VPN server. It's more secure than a standard hard-wired Ethernet connection. Your personal, private wireless traffic is just that: personal and private.

tamulink uses the industry-standard 802.11b wireless Ethernet protocol, and supports any 802.11 wireless client that uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) signaling. For a non-exhaustive list of vendors who offer 802.11b/DSSS products, see our products page.

The Dept. of Dining Services has worked closely with the CIS Network Group and other departments to establish campus-wide standards for the tamulink mobile access service, which is available in many Dining Services locations and other campus buildings right now (look for the signs!). We plan to offer tamulink in every Dining Services location soon, and CIS is busy deploying wireless installations in many other campus buildings as well. If you're considering creating your own wireless network on campus (in your dorm or office), be sure to read the CIS wireless policy--and consider becoming part of the tamulink team!
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