Q. Does IP/Proxy recognition provide better access control than OpenAthens?

Answer...

No. OpenAthens provides significantly stronger access control than IP recognition. IP access is location-based, meaning anyone on a network can often access the same resources regardless of role. OpenAthens enables identity-based access control using roles, departments and user attributes.

Access control benefits of OpenAthens:

• Role-based permissions (student, staff, alumni)
• Department-level restrictions
• Instant removal of access when users leave
• More accurate usage reporting