What technology underlies the nomadic network?
The nomadic network uses software developed by the University Of Bristol. It uses a two layer system. First you connect either to your ordinary Internet Provider (from home) or to the roaming network using PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet). PPPoE makes a connection to an ethernet network appear to be a dialup connection, and provides authentication, authorization and accountability (Who is this user? Are they allowed access to our network? What did they do?). It also provides a way to set up connections to multiple Internet providers and have the settings coexist happily. Then you make a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection, using PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol). This encrypts the traffic, sending it down a ‘tunnel’. This is secure so that other people can’t intercept the traffic and read it as it passes across the Internet or over a wireless connection. • Are there any limits on data transferred? Currently there are no limits on data transferred, however this is under review. Sta
