Being a Good Wi-Fi Citizen

What Does it Mean to be a good Wi-Fi Citizen?

• It may not be obvious at first, but what you do when you’re in your office, classroom, or walking around campus CAN affect Wi-Fi performance for those around you. Setting up your own wireless hotspot or router will create connectivity issues for those around you---cooperation and good etiquette is necessary for everyone to get the connection they need! This is what a good Wi-Fi citizen is all about.

Choose Your Connection Wisely

Wireless Connections

• Use UI Wireless eduroam. It is the fastest and most secure wireless network available - UI-Guest is a less secure, limited network. It is for visitors without university credentials. eduroam can be used by visitors from other participating institutions.
• UI DeviceNet is a wireless network to connect gaming, entertainment, and other approved devices to the campus internet. Registration is required.

Wired Connections have benefits

• Wired connections are always faster than Wi-Fi connections. Using a wired connection frees up space on campus Wi-Fi networks for others who need it. ResNet wired network is available in UI Residence Halls. 

Stop Sending Mixed Signals

Because Wi-Fi networks use a range of radio frequencies that are unregulated and available for public use, many electronic devices and appliances exist which may cause interference and degrade the performance of the Wi-Fi Network.

Personal Wi-Fi routers or hotspots

• Personal Wi-Fi (wireless) routers (or rogue access points) are not allowed and will be shut down if created.

Wireless printers

• Wireless printers will not work with any of our networks. Most wireless printers can also be used with a wired connection to your computer. That’s ok. Or, find a printing location on campus.

Unexpected Wi-Fi interferences

• Wi-Fi signals, including eduroam, can be negatively affected by a surprising number of regular things. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, wireless audio speakers, wireless clocks, projectors, cameras, and gaming console controllers use the same spectrum as the campus Wi-Fi network and can cause the network signal to deteriorate.