UWiC is a wireless communication and access network developed from the integration of neighboring wireless networks set up independently by our partners. The integration model is based on the use of open standards, the creation of connections among the networks, the sharing of commitments by all partners and common minimum guidelines regarding the management of the networks themselves. Partners who integrate their own network with the wireless campus permit the free use of that network as an access network to UWiC, and likewise, can use UWiC as an access network to their own services. UWiC appears to be the only geographic network that offers its users access to a vast range of services offered by the University of Urbino and its partners regardless of their location.

UWiC is a free access network independent of the Internet. Anyone in the area covered by the network signal can connect without registering beforehand and without identifying themselves. They can then move freely within the portal using internal wireless-campus information and communication services.

UWiC is also an access network to reserved services offered by our partners to particular user categories. Access to reserved services requires user identification according the rules established by those providing the desired service. Internet access is considered a service offered by public and private entities to their users and employees or by Internet providers that offer the service to their clients. Those who provide access to the Internet through UWiC are responsible for tracking the user’s activities on the Internet.

We can appreciate the innovative aspects of UWiC if we compare it to the typical network used to provide wireless access to a university network. The following Figure shows the traditional setup.

1. Traditional network

The hotspots are connected directly to the university Intranet, which provides access to the Internet and reserved services. The Internet is represented by the blue ball, connected to the university network through a firewall, shown as a red brick wall. In order to access the hotspots you need to have the necessary credentials to access the services and the Internet, and only those who are registered with the university and go through the identification process can gain access. The hotspots are inaccessible to those who do not have an account with the university. The identification process is represented in the Figure by a white rhombus which lies between the hotspot and the user’s PC.

2. Wireless access network

The hotspots are not connected directly to the university Intranet; they are connected to a new network (called a wireless access network) which is independent of the Internet and the university Intranet. The wireless access network is connected to the university Intranet through a gateway. Since the access network is independent and does not fall into the category of networks that have to be protected by law or specific interests, access can be free and unconditional. You have to go through an identification process only if you pass through the gateway and enter the university Intranet (or if you get onto the Internet). A network with independent access has two fundamental advantages over a traditional network. It allows those who are not affiliated with the university to access the network without going through an identification process and it makes it possible to provide free information and communication services within the access network itself.

3. UWiC: an open wireless access network

UWiC is based on an open wireless access network with an integration model that allows it to be extended directly by interfacing with other networks. The network integration model enhances the access network by dramatically expanding the network and hence increasing the number of users. It allows the creation of the critical mass necessary to make surfing and communicating within the access network itself interesting.