ResNET Wireless

If you're on ResNET and have a wireless router or hub, you need only follow four simple guidelines in order to configure them correctly, improve your bandwidth, prevent network outages and generally avoid any major problems:

Choose a different channel than the default. (For example, try the last digit of your RIN).
Set a unique SSID by using either your RCSID or your dorm name and room number.
Use the WAN or Internet port. Don't use the port labeled "Uplink." Contact the Help Desk for other devices.
We require wireless encryption, preferably WPA-2 (not WEP or WPA). You may share the key for other students to use.
If your router or hub causes a problem with part of the campus network, your port will be disabled until you contact the Help Desk.

If you have any questions about configuring your router, please stop by the VCC Help Desk, phone them at ext. 7777, or contact them via e-mail. You can also find detailed wireless configuration instructions in the Wireless Computing section of this website.

Little-Known Facts about Wireless

When using a wired connection, always disable your wireless connection; having both connections active will not increase your bandwidth. In fact, doing so will confuse your laptop and possibly cause network problems for others.
If you connect the wireless switch incorrectly, you will cause network problems, resulting in your wired port being disconnected until you contact the Help Desk.
You are responsible for all activity that comes through your wireless access point.

By default, ResNet connections are set to 10 megabits/second half duplex, but some network cards do not negotiate this correctly, so try setting the speed to 10 Megabits/sec and the duplex to half. Please direct your questions to the ARC Help Desk via e-mail.

Please note that the Division of the Chief Information Officer (DotCIO) activates one and only one wall port per student.

Last modified: August 20, 2009