Full wireless services are reserved for current students, faculty, and staff with an active ValpoNet account. Access is available for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux computers, mobile devices with any OS (iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Palm), as well as other devices like e-readers and gaming consoles.
Question:
Which network should I use?
Answer:
There are three available networks.
- valpo-connect: use this network to authenticate and receive the passphrase to connect your device. Everyone starts here.
- valpo-net: this is the secure network for students, faculty, and staff to use after registering computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, streaming media devices, gaming consoles, and so forth.
- valpo-guest: this is the secure network for use by guests to campus. It has limited access to the internet and Valpo resources.
- VU-Secure: this is the secure network most devices use after authentication. This network will be removed in late summer 2019.
- VU-Media: this network is unencrypted and is designed primarily for gaming consoles or other devices that cannot perform encryption. It will be policed, and devices such as laptops or computers will be removed. This network will be removed in late summer 2019.
Question:
Where is the network available?
Answer:
The wireless network is available in all residential and academic buildings, and in some outdoor locations as well.
Question:
Why is my device still connecting to VU-WiFi instead of VU-Secure?
Answer:
Some devices "remember" the VU-WiFi connection and will try to continue connecting to this network instead of VU-Secure. Go into your device's wi-fi settings and "forget" the VU-WiFi network. Your device should then connect to VU-Secure instead.
Question:
If there is full wireless coverage in the residence halls, do I still need to use my wired network connection?
Answer:
The University's wireless network is intended to allow customers to perform basic online activities, such as email and general web surfing. Your residence hall room will have a faster and more reliable network connection if you plug into your wired data jack, especially for activities like streaming video (such as Netflix, etc) or gaming.
Question:
Why am I sometimes disconnected from the wi-fi network without warning?
Answer:
The nature of wireless connections makes them prone to disruption from other devices, such as wireless telephones, microphones, and video systems; microwave ovens; certain types of motors; rogue devices and wireless printers; and other devices that send signals through the air. Unfortunately, sporadic loss of connectivity must be expected while using the wireless network. For a guaranteed connection, it's best to use the wired network.
Question:
Why do I need to register my device?
Answer:
Students, faculty, and staff must register their devices once a year during their stay at Valpo in order to use our network. This serves several purposes:
- Each person is given an opportunity to update the device(s) they're using on campus.
- Each person is given a chance to review the University's Acceptable Use Policy and ensure continued compliance.
Question:
What is the "certificate" and why do I need it?
Answer:
The security certificate is a way for our network to recognize that your device has been registered with appropriate authentication so that you can use the secure network.
Question:
Why is the network installing a security profile on my device?
Answer:
The security profile allows our network to recognize your device as one that is authorized to connect to the secure network.
Question:
Why do I need to login regularly?
Answer:
This is a precaution to help protect the security of the network and ensure that only currently-used devices are still registered.
Question:
What if I'm having trouble with my wi-fi connection?
Answer:
If you're having trouble logging in or connecting your device, contact the IT Help Desk.
Question:
How fast is Valpo's wireless network?
Answer:
Wireless speed depends on several factors, including your physical distance from the wireless access points, the type of building materials (walls, doors, floors) between the access point and your device, and the type of wireless service in use.
IT presently supports three generations of wireless protocols, including 802.11a/g, 802.11n, and most recently, 802.11ac. Any current 802.x wireless network card should work without any problems. Newer wireless network cards should be "backwards compatible" with 802.x networks (check the network card documentation). Our testing has shown that significant quality differences exist with some wireless network cards which may impact signal quality and signal range.
Question:
How secure is the wireless network?
Answer:
IT broadcasts multiple SSIDs (network names) to provide wireless access to the University community. The "VU-Secure" network encrypts all traffic sent and received from a wireless device using WPA-2 technology. As it offers the best data security available, this is the preferred wireless network for all Valpo students, faculty, and staff.
The "VU-Media" network is intended to provide wireless access to individuals who cannot setup WPA-2 on their wireless device. Data sent over this network is NOT encrypted. As such, network traffic is visible to any other person with a computer, wireless network interface, or ethernet snooping software. Use of this network is at your own risk, and you are responsible for protecting your information.
Question:
What else can I do to protect the privacy and security of my information?
Answer:
IT recommends that all users maintain a firewall, as well as antivirus and anti-spyware software. Links to free firewall and antivirus software, along with additional information, are available through the Help Desk.
Additionally, IT recommends the following steps to protect your data while on any wireless network:
- Visit only secure Web pages—those whose URLs begin with https://
- Encrypt any confidential or sensitive information
Question:
Can I install my own wireless router in my room?
Answer:
Due to the potential for interference with the campus wireless network as well as the possible security exposures that can result from personally installed wireless access points, the use of personal access points on campus is not permitted. This includes wireless routers, wireless bridges, and similar products.
Furthermore, such devices can disrupt network connections for other users on the network. When we locate such devices, we will remove them from the network.
Question:
I'm graduating/ leaving campus... how do I uninstall the security certificate/profile?
Answer:
We've got pages on removing the security certificate from iOS and MacOS devices within this knowledge base. For other devices (Android, Windows, etc), perform a Google search for instructions on how to remove a security profile from your specific device. If you need assistance, contact the IT Help Desk.
Still need help?
For additional assistance, contact the IT Help Desk.
Related articles