Information Technology

Campus Wireless Performance Fall 2012

Many of you have been experiencing trouble using the campus wireless network effectively. We have listened and are responding as quickly as possible. Some changes have already been put into place, while others are still being evaluated and planned. There are actually two areas of concern that are impacting the wireless network on campus. One is the amount of Internet bandwidth available and the other is the design of the existing wireless network.

What is being done?

1. Internet Bandwidth. On Friday September 21, 2012, maximum bandwidth was purchased and made available. We will continue to monitor the Internet usage and make adjustments where possible and practical.

2. Wireless Network. Many things can impact the performance of a wireless network. The campus wireless contractor was brought to campus last week and evaluated our wireless network and made recommendations for remedies. Some fixes that can be instituted in the short term will offer some improvement. Others may require additional resources to upgrade wireless in many areas and more time to implement. To this end, the following is the plan for addressing the initial items.
   1. Discontinue support for older "b" wireless clients. Support for older "b" only clients is contributing to some of the wireless slowdown. All newer wireless devices (past 7 years) are compatible with the newer wireless technologies and will continue to work on the campus network. We do not expect this to negatively impact current users. Support for the "b" only clients will be stopped on October 2, 2012.

   2. Students are encouraged to begin using the new, wireless network "Witt-Student". Witt-Student provides a secure wireless connection without the need for any special software. There is a onetime configuration that some clients need to go through, but once completed, typically you connect directly, or may have to enter your campus username and password to connect. This is replacing the older Wittenberg "Wireless network". Students should consider this network their preference over Witt-Unsecure-Open-Wireless when doing coursework or research. Witt-Unsecure-Open-Wireless has become more of a "guest" access network and is used by more than just Wittenberg users. There were some problems connecting to Witt-Student at the beginning of school, but those issues have been addressed. If you need assistance, please see the Information Technology Services web page or contact the Solution Center.

   3. The wireless network "Wittenberg Wireless" will be discontinued on October 8, 2012. This is the older secure wireless network. This network was not very "user" friendly and many personal devices were unable to use it. This will reduce the load on the wireless controllers and simplify the wireless choices on campus.

   4. Wireless Network Tuning. Beginning October 1, 2012 we will be tuning the campus wireless network. This may have conflicting results in that some areas may experience an improvement in performance while others may see a decline. We will monitor this closely and rely on user feedback to help us identify the areas that may need additional attention.

   What Has Been Completed?

   Date/Time	Area	Comments
   10/1/12; 7:30am	entire campus	802.11b access disabled
   10/2/12; 8:00am	interior of Science, Synod, Zimmerman	adjusted power setting on A & B/G radios
   10/3/12; 7:30am	interior of McClain Center for Diversity, Chakeres, Keller, Koch, Matthies, Polis, Sprecher, Weaver Chapel Office	adjusted power setting on A & B/G radios
   10/4/12; 7:00am	interior of Kreig, Ferncliff, Firestine, Myers, New Residence, Tower and Woodlawn Halls	adjusted power setting on A & B/G radios
   10/8/12; 7:30am	entire campus	Wittenberg Wireless disabled