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.