Reporting and Resolving Issues With Quality of Wi-Fi

Issue/Question

I am experiencing an issue with Wi-Fi on campus.

The quality of Wi-Fi in my dorm is poor

My devices will not stay connected to the Wi-Fi

Internet speed is slow

I cannot connect to Wi-Fi in my dorm

Environment

• Resident Halls
• Dorms
• USD Campus
• Campus
• Academic Buildings
• eduroam
• SDSecure
• SDVisitor

Cause

Factors affecting quality of Wi-Fi

Distance & Interference

Most areas on campus and the residential halls have wireless network coverage.  If when moving closer to a Wi-Fi access point you note improved speed or connectivity, Distance from an access point may be playing a role in the quality of Wi-Fi for you.

Another major factor in quality of Wi-Fi is Interference.  Interference occurs when devices operate on the same radio frequency as your connecting device and a Wi-Fi access point.  This interference will negatively impact the quality of Wi-Fi and can result in slow internet, frequent drops, or the inability to connect at all.  Two Wi-Fi frequencies are available on campus, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.  If you have a device that can connect at 5Ghz this is recommended.  The 5Ghz frequency is less likely to be interfered with by other wireless devices.  5Ghz is the primary frequency for residential halls.  In other areas of campus, we have a mix of 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.  Most interference occurs in the 2.4Ghz range as it is preferred by more basic wireless devices.

Some common devices that cause interference in both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies are listed below.
2.4Ghz - Wireless Standards b/g/n

• Rogue APs (non-university access points and routers)
• Hot Spots provided by cellular carriers.
• Microwaves (while running)
• Wireless Game Controllers
• Wireless Printers
• Wireless Peripherals (headsets, speakers, remotes, etc)
• Cordless Phones
• Bluetooth Devices

5Ghz - Wireless Standards a/n/ac/ax

• Rogue APs (non-university access points and routers)
• Hot Spots provided by cellular carriers.
• Cordless Phones
• Radar

Resolution

1. If one of the items listed above is in range and you have ownership of that device, try shutting it down and test your Wi-Fi connection again
2. Please urge anyone you know in the residential halls that has their own wireless router or Hot-Spot to TURN IT OFF, IMMEDIATELY
   Note: Even a single home router or Hot-Spot can cause significant wireless network interference and is a security risk to anyone who connects to it.  You will notice SSIDs (network names) showing up that are NOT eduroam, SDSecure, or SDVisitor in areas where these devices are present.
3. To troubleshoot:
   1. Follow the How to Disable Wireless Direct Printing to disable Wi-Fi on your printer
   2. Follow the How to Disable Wi-Fi Direct on Roku Devices if you are not actively using that feature
   3. Follow the How to Disable Remote Play Broadcasting on PS4 if you are not actively using that feature
4. Please contact the Service Desk and Housing so the unauthorized devices can be removed
   1. Name
   2. Phone Number
   3. The room you are in when you see the Rogue SSID (networks)
   4. A screenshot of the networks seen on your device
   5. Any specific information related to the location of the Rogue Devices, if known
   6. Provide as much detail as possible