Gustavus Wireless Network(Redirected from College's wireless)

Gustavus uses Aruba Networks wireless controllers and access points. We typically see 5000 active clients on the Gustavus 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 Gustavus wireless network. For the best experience on campus, Gustavus Technology Services recommends 5 GHz or “Dual Band” devices be used whenever possible.

Network Registration

All Gustavus-owned network devices on the campus network must be registered. Student devices, employee personal devices, and Guests of the College can connect to the Gustavus wireless network without registering.

For more help or information please see: Guest Network Access

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

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz AC, 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 Gustavus 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 AC or Dual Band wireless. All new Macintosh laptops are 5 GHz AC. If you are buying a Windows computer, be sure it has 5 GHz AC. You will have a better wireless experience at Gustavus. Please see Tips for Purchasing a 5 Ghz Windows Laptop.

Wireless locations on campus

Nearly all locations on campus are covered by the Gustavus wireless network, with a few exceptions. 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.

Most outdoor areas within the ring road are also covered by the Gustavus wireless network.

Wireless in the residence halls

The Gustavus wireless network is available in all the campus residence halls. The wired network is also available in most campus residence halls.

The wired network offers an alternative to 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.

Recommended Streaming Devices at Gustavus

Due to the nature of the Gustavus wireless network, not all streaming devices work as intended. Devices such as the Google Chromecast which rely on broadcast traffic, cause unsustainable interference on an enterprise wireless network. Please visit Streaming Device for more information regarding supported streaming devices.

Wireless locations off campus

Off campus, Gustavus housing help - Off Campus Wireless.

Connecting to the wireless network

The use of the Gustavus Wireless network no longer requires registration.

Gustavus Networks for legacy devices (can use Open Wireless Encryption depending on device support)

Zone	Password	Usage
Gustavus		Gustavus Community (open network)

Editing saved wireless networks

In order to connect to the new networks, it may help to forget the old wireless networks in your preferences.

Windows

1. Start Button
2. Control Panel
3. Network Sharing Center
4. Manage Wireless Networks
5. Highlight the network and then click Remove.

Mac OSX

1. Open System Preferences
2. Click on the Network menu
3. Make sure Wifi is selected on the left
4. Click Advanced (lower right hand corner)
5. In the Preferred Network box, find the network you wish to remove, and click the (-) symbol to forget them.

iOS

1. Settings menu from Home Screen
2. Tap Wi-Fi
3. Tap the blue "i" next to the network you would like to forget
4. Tap Forget Network

Problems with wireless

In some locations on campus, the wireless network is slower and less reliable than the Gustavus 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, streaming devices such as Rokus, Chromecasts, printers
• 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.

Troubleshooting wireless connections

If you are having trouble using the wireless network

• restart your computer or device.
• 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 multiple users are experiencing issues, please contact the Technology Helpline (507-933-6111) or helpline@gustavus.edu to report an outage.
• To refresh your device's connection to the wireless network, in your device's network settings, "forget" the Gustavus wireless networks and then try to reconnect.
• check for advertised networks besides Gustavus and GustavusLegacy - those networks (devices) may be causing your problems, ask the owner to shut off the device.
• If you are in a location that is getting a poor signal, please complete the Network Diagnostic Survey from the location where the signal is poor.
• move 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.
• please complete the Network Diagnostic Survey from the location where you are having problems.
• contact the Technology Helpline (507-933-6111) or helpline@gustavus.edu for assistance.