Wireless Access to the USC Network

The USC wireless network is a private network, accessible from outdoor common areas on USC campuses, libraries, auditoria, campus eateries, and the University Village Food Court. Non-USC users are allowed limited access to the network for web browsing and email. USC account holders should log in via the USC VPN for additional access to the network.

Users are required to acknowledge the university's terms of use once a week. USC faculty, students, and staff have the option to register their computer in order to avoid being required to acknowledge the university's terms of use once a week. See the information and instructions on the Computer Registration Overview page.

Computing Safety

All users should be aware that the USC wireless network is an open network. Traffic that passes through it is not encrypted, and users should expect no privacy on this network. Your access to and use of the USC wireless network is at your sole risk.

USC faculty, students, and staff should log in through the VPN, which is available to the USC community for free download.

ITS recommends that all users of the wireless network maintain a firewall, as well as antivirus and antispyware software.

USC faculty, students, and staff may find links to free firewall and antivirus software, along with additional information, on the ITS security page.

If you wish to improve the security of your communications, consider (1) visiting only secure Web pages—those whose URL begins with https//; (2) using USC Web Mail, which provides encryption for you; (3) encrypting any confidential or sensitive information; and (4) logging in to UNIX shell accounts using SSH or Kerberized Telnet (rather than basic Telnet). If you are unfamiliar with these security measures, please contact the ITS Customer Support Center at 213-740-5555.

Instructions for Connecting to USC Wireless

Instructions will vary by operating system and version. For instructions, please locate your operating system in the menu on the right-hand side of the page.

Guest Wireless Access to the USC Network

The USC wireless network offers open access to all users in most areas on both the University Park and Health Sciences campuses. It is no longer necessary to register guests to use the USC wireless network.

Getting Help

If you have problems or questions related to your USC Wireless connection, contact the ITS Customer Support Center at 213-740-5555 or consult@usc.edu

Last updated: Friday, January 22, 2010, 13:59PM PST