Use of Personal WiFi Devices
Use of Personal WiFi Devices
Personal WiFi (wireless) routers (or rogue access points) significantly and negatively impact the Keuka College campus WiFi environment. They cause the campus WiFi environment to deteriorate and in some cases make KC-FacStaff, KC-Student and KC-Guest unusable by all.
WiFi uses radio frequency that is open for everyone to use, unlike cell phones that operate in frequency that is licensed and assigned to a specific cell phone company. As a consequence, large scale WiFi networks, such as the ones deployed on the Keuka College campus, require careful coordination and cooperation to operate well and provide quality service.
All Access Points (APs) or routers in Keuka College buildings need to work together so they do not occupy the same channel. Keuka College carefully designs and operates the WiFi networks in each building to allow multiple APs to work with each other and provide a reliable and stable WiFi environment for all to use. When an outside AP (rogue) is used, this carefully designed system of avoiding interference and maximizing cooperation deteriorates.
Depending on the number of rogue APs, the Keuka College campus APs must spend their time and energy trying to find a free channel rather than providing a clear usable signal for everyone to use. This is known as RF noise. In addition, when two APs try to communicate to their clients (WiFi devices) over the same channel, their signals interfere with each other and cause connectivity problems for all users trying to use KC-FacStaff, KC-Student, and KC-Guest.
RF noise and interference can also come from cordless phones, microwave ovens, MiFi mobile hotspots and certain WiFi enabled printers and projectors since they also operate on a 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency range.
We do want everyone at Keuka College to be able to connect all the devices they need when on campus. For some locations and devices this means using a hardwired connection rather than the WiFi network or a personal access points.
By refraining from using personal WiFi routers, you make an important contribution to a university WiFi network that can work well and serve ALL community members.
If you have a situation that you believe requires a personal access point, please contact the ITS Service Center at 315-279-5217 (4357) so we can assist you.
For Assistance or Questions
Contact the ITS Service Center:
help@keuka.edu
315-279-5217