On behalf of IT Services, I’d like to provide you an update on recent changes to our Wi-Fi network, which is available on main campus, off-campus offices, Division of Extended Studies facilities, and UC San Diego Health facilities. Additionally, below are some helpful hints to get the most out of your Wi-Fi experience.
Network Updates
Over the summer, our Wi-Fi teams were busy installing new Wi-Fi infrastructure to support the Eighth College Theater District Living and Learning Neighborhood. Additionally, they made significant improvements to Wi-Fi around campus, including installing new access points, replacing older ones with higher performing ones, and conducting software upgrades to provide the latest features, performance, and stability. Many of these improvements were in direct response to feedback received from customers. So, please, as always, report when you are having Wi-Fi trouble (see contact options below).
Campus Wi-Fi Best Practices
Which network?
While on campus or at other UC San Diego facilities, you’ll likely see the following networks available and their intended users. All wireless networks offer the same access to bandwidth and data rates.
Think “Protected!” UC San Diego students, faculty, and staff should use UCSD-PROTECTED. It is the most secure and allows access to the most non-public UC San Diego network resources. The encryption available on UCSD-PROTECTED protects your sensitive information as it travels the network.
eduroam is for .edu roamers. eduroam is a network that allows users from participating institutions to connect to a secure Wi-Fi network using their home institution’s credentials. As a participant, UC San Diego supports this functionality for guests coming from other participating universities. Likewise, UC San Diego users should look for and use eduroam at other institutions.
GUEST is for guests. UCSD-GUEST is intended for users who are unable to use UCSD-PROTECTED or eduroam. It is far less secure (unencrypted) and, contrary to rumors, is not faster or more reliable. In fact, it has restricted access compared to UCSD-PROTECTED. For example, many UC San Diego websites and network resources are not available from UCSD-GUEST unless you use VPN.
Hotspots can be harmful. Personal hotspots use the same frequencies as the campus Wi-Fi and, thus, create interference for other users when they are running in the same areas that the campus Wi-Fi is available. Using your hotspot will negatively impact the Wi-Fi experience for others. Hotspots are best used where you cannot see UC San Diego networks offered.
Tips for a strong connection while on the move
The UC San Diego Wi-Fi network consists of thousands of “access points” that your device connects to for a Wi-Fi signal. As you move from location to location, your device falls out of range from where you were connected and begins looking for a new connection. Here are some tips for better connections:
- Reset at your destination. Some mobile devices do not always shift to the nearest, most powerful Wi-Fi access point as you move around campus. Once you arrive at your destination, if you find the Wi-Fi to be poor, it is a good idea to turn off/turn on the Wi-Fi on your mobile device. That will force your device to connect to the closest and strongest access point.
- Fun fact: Switching from UCSD-PROTECTED to UCSD-GUEST also forces a reconnection to the closest, and strongest, access point. That’s why some mistakenly believe UCSD-GUEST is better. Don’t sacrifice your security; do try the on/off solution instead!
- Keep campus coverage in mind. IT Services is funded to provide Wi-Fi in every building and in limited outdoor areas. The majority of campus outdoor space is not designed to have strong Wi-Fi. You may experience some signal from nearby buildings, but it may not be as strong as you are accustomed to while indoors.
- Important business is best done at a standstill. Because of the outside Wi-Fi coverage issue, important business (Zoom meetings, ordering food, completing web forms, etc) is best completed while remaining stationary in an area that you know has strong Wi-Fi. Otherwise, you risk getting disconnected in the middle of the process.
- Forget the past! To speed the connection process and reduce possible problems, it is a good practice to “forget” old Wi-Fi networks that you’re not likely to use in the very near future. While you’re at it, if you’re able to use PROTECTED or eduroam, “forget” that less secure UCSD-GUEST network so your device doesn’t automatically connect to it! Some devices work their way through their list of remembered networks to find one to connect to. The larger the list, the longer it can take. Don’t worry. The networks you “forget” will still be visible to you when you return to those areas. You’ll simply need to select them again.
Questions and Help
If you have any questions or need help with your campus Wi-Fi connection, please contact the Service Desk in one of three ways:
