ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Wireless Network
ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ uses Aruba Networks wireless controllers and access points. We typically see 2,500 active clients on the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ wireless network, but more than 10,000 unique devices will connect every month. There are many challenges to managing such a large wireless network, interference from another device is most often the 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 ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ wireless network. For the best experience on campus, ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Technology Services recommends 5 GHz or βDual Bandβ devices be used whenever possible.
Contents
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 ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ 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 ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅.
Wireless locations on campus
Nearly all locations on campus are covered by the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ 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 ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ wireless network.
Wireless in the residence halls
The ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ 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.
Connecting to the wireless network
The use of the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Wireless network requires a one time (per academic year), web based registration. Full access is granted to users with a ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ e-mail username and password. Limited access is available for guests of the college.
Multiple wireless zones are available in different locations on campus. Please select the zone that best meets your needs:
| Zone | Availability | Password | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| *GACsecure | Most campus spaces | adolphus | ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Community (requires ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ email username and password) |
| GustieGuest | Everywhere | Guests of the college | |
| GACmobile | Most campus spaces | adolphus | smart phones and tablets |
| GACwireless | Everywhere | ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Community (requires ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ email username and password) |
∗ preferred choice
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 ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Network Registration page. You must not be connected to GustieGuest 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 ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ 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
- microwave ovens
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 GustieGuest 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.
- 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.