Wi-Fi Etiquette at NC State
(Adapted from Be a Good WiFi Citizen)
Your Wi-Fi devices can interfere with others’ Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Wi-Fi networks use a range of publicly available, unlicensed radio frequencies that are shared among numerous types of devices.
- When many devices use these same frequencies it can degrade Wi-Fi network performance.
- Many devices have an impact — wireless printers, microwave ovens, cordless phones, wireless audio speakers, wireless clocks, projectors, cameras, and gaming controllers. See the table below.
By working cooperatively and practicing good Wi-Fi etiquette, NC State network users can help each other get the optimal campus connections we all need. Here’s how.
Choose your most appropriate connection.
Wi-Fi connection
- eduroam
Most secure, fastest wireless network.
For NC State students, faculty and staff and visitors from other institutions that participate in eduroam. - ncsu
Unsecured.
For NC State students, faculty and staff only.
Used mainly for miscellaneous devices. - ncsu-guest
Unsecured, limited usability.
For campus visitors without university credentials.
Wired connection
- Always faster than Wi-Fi.
- Helps free up Wi-Fi for other users.
Reduce Wi-Fi interference.
Avoid using any device that can create a personal wireless network.
This type of ad hoc network is created by individual devices that can communicate directly with each other without using a router.
Example: For a wireless printer, disable its wireless capability and use a wired connection instead.
NOTE: The most common source of Wi-Fi interference at NC State is wireless printers creating ad hoc networks.
Avoid using a personal Wi-Fi router or access point.
These devices significantly interfere with the campus Wi-Fi network.
If you believe that your situation requires a personal access point, please request assistance from ComTech.
Minimize interference from your other devices.
Use the table below to learn how your devices impact Wi-Fi and what you can do about it.
Know your personal impact on Wi-Fi.
The following table lists devices commonly used on campus and their impacts on Wi-Fi at various ranges. It also suggests solutions you can implement to reduce your impact.
Device | Impact | Range | Suggested Solution |
Microwave oven | Very Severe | Short | Keep microwave away from wireless devices. |
Wireless router | Very Severe | Very Long | Avoid using personal router. |
Wireless camera & projector | Severe | Very Long | Disable wireless. Use wired connection. For classrooms, contact your local IT support |
Apple Time Capsule Use only for data backup. |
Severe | Very Long | Disable wireless. Connect with Ethernet cable. |
Wireless media player e.g., Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast |
Severe | Long | Connect with cable if possible. Disable wireless unless connecting via NC State’s Wi-Fi. See Miscellaneous Device Connectivity |
Wireless printer | Severe | Medium | Disable wireless. Connect with cable. NOTE: The most common source of Wi-Fi interference at NC State is wireless printers creating ad hoc networks. |
Wireless speaker | Severe | Medium | Use wired speaker. |
Wireless gaming controller | Severe | Short | Power off when not in use. |
Cordless phone | Severe | Short | Do not use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz cordless phones. |
Bluetooth device | Medium | Short | Power off when not in use. |
Certain computer displays | Medium | Short | Power off when not in use. |