UW-La Crosse’s Wireless Network Slows

During the first week of classes, UW-La Crosse’s wireless network slowed down immensely creating problems on the campus. Officials say it’s due to the types of devices connecting wirelessly.

Last year on UWL’s campus, there were 2000 laptops, phones, and other devices that relied on a wireless network. This year, there are more than twice as many.

The school’s Information Technology Services did prepare for the increase by adding 300 wireless access points and upgrading infrastructure over the summer.

In the first week of classes, people experienced a slow network and their devices suddenly lost connection. But it’s not because there are more iPads or computers. It’s because there are more wireless printers and game controllers. Also, people are bringing their own routers and setting them up in dorm rooms and offices.

Dr. Mohamed Elhindi is UWL’s ITS Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer. He says those extra devices are creating interference in the wireless network.

“My laptop is supposed to connect to the university wireless network,” he says.”So if you havea printer, that printer creates a wireless network inside of it. Then it becomes strong, and it will try to reduce the effectiveness or signal effectiveness of our wireless network.”

So, UWL is asking people to turn off their wireless printers, to not use outside routers, and not to create wireless hotspots with their PCs or phones.

Elhindi says all universities are currently dealing with this problem, but most end up creating policies not allowing certain devices. He says UWL wants to see if people will comply before outright banning them.