
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 - 12:24pm
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.
Device | Impact | Range | Suggested solution |
Microwave Ovens | Very Severe | Short | Keep microwaves away from computers. |
Wireless Routers | Severe | Very Long | Use eduroam, refrain from using your own router. |
Wireless Cameras & Projectors | Severe | Very Long | Disable wireless, use wired devices/connections. |
Apple Time Capsules (Use only for data backup) |
Severe | Very Long | Disable wireless, connect via Ethernet cable. |
Wireless Media Players (Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, etc.) | Severe | Long | Disable device's wireless, connect via cables. |
Wireless Printers | Severe | Medium | Disable wireless, connect directly via USB cable. |
Wireless Speakers | Severe | Medium | Use wired speakers. |
Wireless Gaming Controllers | Severe | Short | Keep devices powered off when not in use. |
Bluetooth Devices | Medium | Short | Keep devices powered off when not in use. |
Certain Computer Displays | Medium | Short | Power off monitor when not in use. |