Troubleshoot WiFi
The following article outlines a number of WiFi issues and how to address them.
- Verify that you are connected to the UIndy or UIndySecure network. Given the limited bandwidth and application access on UIndyGuest, it is not suitable for members of the campus community.
- In order to ensure that your system connects to either the UIndy or UIndySecure networks, Forget the UIndyGuest network in your WiFi settings. Doing so will prevent your system from connecting to the UIndyGuest network automatically. For detailed instructions refer to Forget a UIndy WiFi network.
An access point is a networking hardware device that allows other WiFi devices to connect to a wired network. Access points installed in on-campus housing are typically located in common areas or bedrooms. Please ensure that no other furniture is blocking or obstructing the access point. See images of access points below:
When you initially connect to the UIndy WiFi network, your wireless device will choose the nearest access point. As you move around campus, or between classrooms, your computer will roam from one access point to another. Occasionally, your computer may choose to stay connected to an access point that is further away, while ignoring the nearest access point.
- Disconnect your device from the UIndy WiFi network by enabling Airplane mode or turning WiFi off.
- Reconnect your device to the UIndy WiFi network by disabling Airplane mode or turning WiFi back on.
When a laptop is unplugged from a power source, it employs several power saving techniques. One of the techniques used is to limit the power the WiFi transceiver consumes, thereby reducing the ability of the laptop to connect to WiFi in an area with lower coverage. The primary way to resolve this issue is to plug your laptop into a power source. Additionally, if you are using a Windows laptop you can adjust the performance settings by following the steps below:
- Click on the battery icon located on the Taskbar.
- Click and drag the slider to the right to increase your laptop's performance.
Be advised that the higher your laptop's performance the faster your battery will drain.
On some devices, password changes can impact your ability to connect to secure wireless networks. After a password change, your WiFi settings will need to be updated to continue connecting to UIndySecure.
To update WiFi password:
- Forget the WiFi network. Navigate to Forget a UIndy WiFi network for detailed instructions.
- Reconnect to the UIndySecure WiFi network using your new password.
There are many features employed by UIndy’s WiFi network which can be incompatible with older hardware and older software drivers. Wireless manufacturers regularly release new driver updates to solve issues. Having the latest software and WiFi network drivers will assure that you'll have the best performance.
Typically, your WiFi network driver updates for Windows 10 are automatically downloaded and installed through Windows Update. To verify that your WiFi network driver is up to date, navigate to the following link to Update drivers in Windows 10.
Apple typically handles all system and driver updates for your device. To verify that your WiFi network driver is up to date, navigate to Keep your Mac up to date.
To verify that your iPhone, iPad, or iPod is up to date, navigate to Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Navigate to your device's settings.
- Tap the System Updates section to check for system updates and install them.
If you could not locate this section in your device's settings, tap the About phone section and locate your device's Model number. You will now be able to conduct a Google search for information about updating your device using its model number.
WiFi networks can become saturated by the quantity of clients connected to a single access point and the applications those clients are using. For example, five people streaming a 4K video on Netflix might saturate one access point while another could support 100 users doing typical internet browsing.
If you suspect this could be the issue, please submit a Help Desk ticket. One of our experienced network technicians will survey the WiFi network in that area and look at usage patterns. We will then make recommendations for remediation.
After exhausting all the tips above, submit a Help Desk Ticket detailing the troubleshooting tips you already followed to resolve the issue.