Connecting to the wireless network

If you are experiencing trouble with the wireless network while on campus…

In brief:

Although a wired connection is the best choice, we can't always use it. When utilizing wi-fi, try to join the eduroam wireless network first. If that is not stable for you, use uchicago-secure. Both networks require CnetID credentials. You can also use an automated process. To do so, you can use the following instructions:

Eduroam

Uchicago-secure

If you still have trouble, the U of C wants to know. Please report the issue here

https://go.uchicago.edu/wifi-feedback

You will be asked for your CNETID, type of device, the location you were trying to connect at, and the time you tried connecting.

In depth:

There are multiple choices when joining the wireless network on campus. Eduroam, uchicago, uchicago-secure, etc. From the options you see when joining, eduroam is the only one that solely utilizes a 5ghz system. The others have both a 2.4GHz band and a 5 GHz band

The primary differences between the two frequencies are the range (coverage) and bandwidth (speed) that the bands provide. The 2.4 GHz band provides coverage at a longer range but transmits data at slower speeds. The 5 GHz band provides less coverage but transmits data at faster speeds.

The range is lower in the 5 GHz band because higher frequencies cannot penetrate solid objects, such as walls and floors. However, higher frequencies allow data to be transmitted faster than lower frequencies, so the 5 GHz band allows you to upload and download files faster. Virtually every classroom has a wireless access point, so in most cases, the strength of the 5GHz signal is excellent at Lab.

Your WiFi connection on a particular frequency band can also be faster or slower because of interference from other devices. Many other devices use the 2.4 GHz band, including microwaves and radios. When multiple devices attempt to use the same radio space, overcrowding occurs. The 5 GHz band has less overcrowding than the 2.4GHz band because fewer devices use it and because it has 23 channels for devices to use, while the 2.4GHz band has only 11 channels.