Wireless Basics And Troubleshooting

Common Reasons For Wifi Connectivity Issues

Proximity to Wireless Access Point (WAP)- There are limited WAPs on campus and your proximity to one determines your wireless strength.
Strength of your wireless receiver- Some wireless receivers are more or less powerful than others. While one device might have full bars of signal, another device may not be able to connect at all.
Number of competing connections- The more people trying to use the network, the more shared the connection will be which means less information can pass through the WAP. This wouldn't be a problem if everyone was just reading an article on the internet, however it does become an issue when everyone attempts to connect to Netflix or Amazon Prime all at the same time because the bandwidth would be used up very quickly (which is the common issue during chapel).
"Rogue" Devices- Any device which attempts to broadcast a wireless radio signal can potentially compete with WAPs, causing interference with your connectivity to the WAP.

***PICTURE OF WAP

** (ONLY if the wireless function cannot be turned off)

Use Ethernet when possible. Wired connections are always stronger, faster and more reliable than wireless connections.
Plug in your printer and turn off its wireless functionality. ITS will provide the wire necessary to hook your computer up to your printer if you do not have one.
Check your cell phone for an active hotspot. Most smart phones can broadcast wifi to other devices.
Keep an open eye for competing signals. If a friend or neighbor has a wireless printer or wireless router, explain to them the problem of competing signals.