�鶹��Ƶ Wireless Network

�鶹��Ƶ uses Aruba Networks wireless controllers and access points. We typically see 2,500 active clients on the �鶹��Ƶ wireless network daily, but more than 10,000 unique devices will connect every month.

There are many challenges to managing such a large wireless network, interference from other devices is the most common cause of connection issues. Microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, video cameras, game consoles, Roku, home routers, mobile hotspots, and more, can cause interference with the �鶹��Ƶ wireless network. For the best experience on campus, �鶹��Ƶ Technology Services recommends 5 GHz or “Dual Band” devices be used whenever possible.

Wireless Networks, GHz and Mbps, Why Do I Care?

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 802.11a, 802.11n, channels and Mbps what does it all mean?

Wireless signals come in two bands - 2.4 and 5 Ghz. Wireless standards are named - 802.11A, B, G, N and AC. Different WiFi networks have different bands, standards and speeds.

The �鶹��Ƶ WiFi network has 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (Dual) bands available, the 5 GHz will work better in more places, be faster and less likely to disconnect.

If you are looking to buy a new computer or network device, be sure to buy one with 5GHz or Dual Band wireless. All new Macintosh laptops are 5 GHz. If you are buying a Windows computer, be sure it has 5 GHz. You will have a better wireless experience at �鶹��Ƶ. Please see Tips for Purchasing a 5 Ghz Windows Laptop.

Wireless locations on campus

Nearly all locations on campus are covered by the �鶹��Ƶ wireless network, with a few exceptions. All academic, residence and administrative buildings on campus have wireless coverage with the exception of:

• Schaefer Fine Arts/Art (some areas)
• Schaefer Fine Arts/Music (some areas)
• Physical Plant Offices

You may experience limited connectivity or poor connectivity depending on your location within a building.

If you are experiencing problems with the wireless or wired network, we have developed a survey for diagnosing and reporting network problems. Please complete the Network Diagnostic Survey.

If you would like to request additional wireless routers be added to a building or location, please email wireless@gustavus.edu.

Most outdoor areas within the ring road are also covered by the �鶹��Ƶ wireless network.

Wireless in the residence halls

The �鶹��Ƶ wireless network is available in all the campus residence halls. The wireless network is a convenience, and not a replacement for the wired network. The wired network is also available in every campus residence hall with one port per pillow.

The wired network is often times faster and more reliable than the wireless network. If you do not have an Ethernet cable, please stop by the Technology Helpline, they are available free of charge to Gusties living on campus.

If you are experiencing problems with the wireless or wired network, we have developed a survey for diagnosing and reporting network problems. Please complete the Network Diagnostic Survey.

Wireless locations off campus

Redirect here.

Connecting to the wireless network

The use of the �鶹��Ƶ Wireless network requires a one time (per academic year), web based registration. Full access is granted to users with a �鶹��Ƶ e-mail username and password. Limited access is available for guests of the college.

�鶹��Ƶ offers both secure (encrypted) and insecure (unencrypted) wireless networks for legacy devices. We recommend connecting to the encrypted wireless network.

�鶹��Ƶ Secure Networks

Zone	Password	Usage
*�鶹��ƵSecure	gustavus username and password	�鶹��Ƶ Community. Offers the best security
�鶹��ƵGuest		Guests of the college

�鶹��ƵSecure wireless network

• On your device, select the �鶹��ƵSecure wireless and connect.
• You will receive a prompt to enter your �鶹��Ƶ username and password
• Depending on your device, you will next receive a prompt to accept the certificate.

It is very important to make sure the certificate matches the the thumbprint or server name or you could be connecting to a malicious rogue wireless server

Windows

• �鶹��Ƶ server name
  • rad.gustie.gac.edu
• Certificate Thumbprint
  • xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mac OSX

Android

iOS

�鶹��Ƶ Insecure (unencrypted) Networks for legacy devices

Zone	Password	Usage
�鶹��Ƶ		�鶹��Ƶ Community (requires �鶹��Ƶ email username and password)

To begin registration, launch a web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari) from a wireless zone with your wireless card enabled. Your web browser will redirect you to a series of registration pages. If your web browser does not redirect you and an error message appears, go to , the �鶹��Ƶ Network Registration page. You must not be connected to �鶹��ƵGuest to register. Follow the prompts.

For more information about our registration process, please see Computer registration or Who is GReg and why do I need to know him?

Problems with wireless

In some locations on campus, the wireless network is slower and less reliable than the �鶹��Ƶ wired network. The wireless network is a shared resource, with all the wireless devices sharing the bandwidth.

Many different devices can cause interferance with wireless signals. These devices may include:

• 2.4 Ghz cordless phones
• personally owned wireless routers, printers and game consoles
• microwave ovens

If you see networks advertised besides GACsecure, �鶹��Ƶ, �鶹��ƵSecure, GACwireless and �鶹��ƵGuest - those networks (devices) are probably causing connectivity issues for others.

If you are experiencing problems with the wireless network, we have developed a survey for diagnosing and reporting network problems. Please complete the Network Diagnostic Survey from the location where you are having problems.

Guest access

Guests of the College are allowed limited access to the Wireless network through a web based registration process. Wireless guest access is available across campus, and wired guest access is available in the Residence Halls.

To begin registration, launch a web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari) from a wireless zone with your wireless card enabled, and the �鶹��ƵGuest network selected. Your web browser will redirect you to a series of registration pages. Follow the prompts.

For more information about our registration process please see Computer registration or Who is GReg and why do I need to know him?

Troubleshooting wireless connections

If you are having trouble using the wireless network

• verify that your network card is turned on and receiving a signal (using your card manager software or control panel).
• make sure others around you are able to receive a signal. If you have a location that is getting a poor signal, please complete the Network Diagnostic Survey from the location where the signal is poor.
• check for advertised networks besides GACsecure, �鶹��Ƶ, �鶹��ƵSecure, GACwireless and �鶹��ƵGuest - those networks (devices) may be causing your problems, ask the owner to shut off the device.
• try moving to a location where you know the signal is strong (Olin Hall Computer Lab or the Library).
• plug in with an Ethernet cable to a network port, until you get your wireless working.
• contact the Technology Helpline (x6111) or helpline@gustavus.edu for assistance.
• please complete the Network Diagnostic Survey from the location where you are having problems.