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Tips for better wireless service
There are many factors that can disrupt the quality of wireless service for you and your neighbors, including cordless phones, unauthorized wireless devices, wireless printers, and even microwave ovens. Please use the following tips for optimal service.
Disclaimer - The steps listed here are tips which can solve your wireless problem but should not be attempted unless you are comfortable doing so. We recommend doing a restore point prior to making any changes.
Tip 1. Update your wireless drivers
Go to your laptop manufacture’s support driver download page and update your wireless driver to the latest.
Tip 2. Don't use unauthorized wireless devices
One major source of interference is unauthorized wireless devices, most commonly wireless routers, as they communicate on the same radio frequency as the Algonquin College wireless network. If you require additional Ethernet network ports for wired peripheral devices, you may only use a device that does not include wireless functionality. ITS reserves the right to disable any unauthorized wireless devices that are disrupting service.
If you experience problems connecting to the Algonquin College wireless network, use your computer's network connections setting to view all available wireless networks. If you see wireless networks other than Algonquin College’s official wireless networks (AlgSecureWLAN, AlgKeyWLAN or AlgGuestWLAN), contact the ITS Help Desk at 5555@algonquincollege.com or call 613-727-5555.
Wireless printers use significant network bandwidth and interfere with the wireless of others on the network, even while they are idle. ITS does not support wireless printers and discourages it use. ITS recommends that you use a USB cable or network cable to connect your printer instead of using wireless.
Please note that a wireless printer is different from
students printing wirelessly to our connected printers.
Tip 4. Don't use cordless phones
Use a non-cordless phone or cell phone to prevent wireless interference. Cordless phones operate within the same radio frequency range as the Algonquin College wireless network. If a large number of devices operate within this range, the radio frequency band becomes crowded, which results in interference. NOTE: "DECT 6.0" cordless phones do not cause interference.
Tip 5. Bluetooth Interference
Bluetooth version 1 can cause radio interference with the Algonquin wireless network. This refers to older bluetooth devices 4-5 years old.
Tip 6. IP 6 Enabled
If your computer has the new IP 6 feature enable it causes a lot of extra traffic on the network even if it not being used at the moment. Make sure it is disabled.
Microwaves can also cause interference with wireless devices. We are not suggesting that you never use your microwave, but most computers that are within 10 feet of an operating microwave will experience slow connections.
Tip 8. Get a new wireless card, if necessary
Different wireless cards access the wireless network at different speeds. Depending on the type of wireless card you have, you will have different performance. The recommended wireless card is 802.11a/g/n. If you have an older card (ex: 802.11 or 802.11b) you may want to consider upgrading to a newer card (802.11a/g/n) to improve your speed on the wireless network.
There
are some known issues with Atheros wireless cards found in Dell, Acer, Gateway and some other laptops.
Tip 9. Off Campus
You can't connect to wireless off campus - its too far. Don't go home and expect it to connect wirelessly to the Algonquin network.
Tip 10. XP issues
Windows XP with service pack 2 does not work well on the Algonquin Wireless network. It may work with this patch and security level WPA2, but is not recommended.
Tip 11. Residence Issues
Only the open common residence areas are wireless. In the residence rooms you should use an ethernet cable.
Tip 12. Serviceable Areas
All campuses have full wireless coverage but you may still find an area which has poor signal due to the building, water, power or wall beams. Even people's bodies can obstruct the signal. If you find yourself in this situation you may simply move 10-15 feet to find a better signal. Wireless is not a guaranteed service so use an ethernet cable if you are having signal problems.
Tip 13. 3rd Party Wireless
Your laptop may have come with a third party wireless manager which can conflict with the Windows wireless manager. See your laptop documentation for how to turn off the third party program.
Tip 14. Home Wireless Tips
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• Algonquin College does NOT support home user’s wireless network. The following information is offered as a courtesy
• The only reason anyone should still be using WEP is if any mobile computing/equipment/router does not support WPA/WPA2. If you find that your hardware does not support WPA/WPA2 check for firmware updates or replace it. For laptops or mobile computers, you can purchase a newer wireless client that is Wi-Fi Certified.
• Of course if you wish to use WEP on your own home network WEP will still be more secure than having no security at all. If someone can access your wireless network they may also be able to access your router, change passwords and literally take control of it, or see which devices are connected, and then even try to get onto them, the repercussions of this are limited only to how malicious the person is. So if you have the option to use WPA use it.
Tip 15. Home vs Algonquin - Complexity
You should be aware that Algonquin's wireless network is much different than your home wireless. Algonquin wireless has many settings and characteristics which are not found in your home. So you may find that connecting at home is much more straight forward than connecting at Algonquin.
Tip 16. Operating Systems
Different versions of Windows, Macs, Linux, etc all behave slightly differently for wireless. The setup screens are also quite different. See your owner's manual for more assistance.
Tip 17. Profile Error
Try deleting the connection profile you have made and try recreating it. Often there is an improper setting or spelling which prevents connection. Also remember that things are case sensitive. Compare the screen shots carefully.
Tip 18. Wireless Off
The wireless capability on a laptop can be turned off and of course that will prevent a connection. Sometimes it is a physical switch on your laptop, but sometimes it is a keyboard command,disabled driver or a software setting. See your owner's manual if you are not certain. On a Mac it may be the radio or airport which is turned off.
Example: Wireless turned off using "disable"
On some models the wireless switch is on but Windows still has another setting in "off" mode. To check go to Start and type "windows mobility" and run the utility. Check that wireless is turned on there.
Tip 19. Third Party Wireless Manager
Many Laptops come with a program to manage wireless connections. You can use it or else uninstall (or disable) it and use the Windows wireless manager. We recommend this. You do not want both running or you may find you connection keeps disconnecting and reconnecting. Some third party wireless managers will turn of certain wireless services.
Tip 20. Sleeping Service
A critical service may not be turned on which is required for a wireless connection. It may have been turned off by a third party wireless manager. Specifically "Wireless Zero Configuration"
Tip 21. Static IP
Your home settings may require a static IP address or DNS address. This sounds technical but if it basically means that your computer is not set up to be flexible. The college wireless needs it to be flexible. You will find a setting "Obtain IP automatically" and " Obtain DNS automatically" and they should be selected.
Tip 22. Account locked
If your Algonquin Network account is locked or not working properly then you will not get a connection even with everything else correct. Try logging into Blackboard to make sure your account is OK. It only takes a few failed attempts for your account to lock for half an hour. It is possible that your account does not have dialup or wireless enabled. See ITS
Tip 23. Firewall too Tight
You probably have security software installed on your computer. Norton, Panda, McAffee, Eset, Zonealarm, etc. These are designed to protect you but can be a bit to thorough. Try turning off the protection briefly to see if that resolves things. If it does then your firewall must be adjusted to allow Algonquin wireless to get through.
Tip 24. Virus and Spyware
These can corrupt and prevent a stable wireless connection. Make sure you are up-to-date and scan regularly. If you have Limewire on your computer you should remove it.
Tip 25. Software Updates
Your security, virus, drivers and operating system software must all be kept up-to-date or you may not be able to make a wireless connection. Windows XP service pack 2 can not usually connect but service pack 3 can.
Tip 26 - Staff laptops owned by the college
You should make your first connection with a network cable. Also, staff should leave a checkmark in the box below when setting up the AlgSecureWLAN connetion profile.
Tip 27. Try the other network
We have a couple of wireless networks. AlgSecureWLAN and AlgKeyWLAN. AlgSecureWLAN is the preferred network since it is more secure and easier to use. If you try everything else then you might try AlgKeyWLAN. It is more forgiving but less secure and there are a few more steps for logging in.
Tip 28. Location
There are some areas on campus that get a better signal than other areas. If you have a good connection and go to another area where the connection fails then do not alter any settings. Go back to the area you were in when it worked well. Reboot if needed. If everything works well that tells you that you were in a poor area. Rooms in Residence and some areas of B-block can have difficulty. Solving it may be a matter of moving twenty feet and trying again.
Tip 29. Repair or Reconnect
Sometimes you must repair the connection or reconnect to that network to give it a nudge. You may even wish to reboot.
Tip 30. Bad IP address
If you know how to check your IP address make sure that it starts with a 10...... Anything else like 192.168..... is not an Algonquin wireless IP address. Try to release and renew or check your adapter settings.
Tip 31. Use an Ethernet Cable
Wireless is not guaranteed anywhere in the college. If it does not seem to work properly for you we recommend that you plug a network cable into the laptop for a fast and stable connection. Many people carry an ethernet cable in their laptop bag. Plug it into the wall jack or use the cable which is already in the room. Check to make sure that you have blinking lights by the jack to indicate that you have a live jack and a good connection.
Disclaimer - The steps listed here are things which can solve your wireless problem but should not be attempted unless you are comfortable doing so. We recommend doing a restore point prior to making any changes.
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