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C&IT Computing & Information Technology

What should I do if I cannot connect to the Wi-Fi?

Wayne State University offers wireless internet connectivity inside most buildings on main campus. Access is also available at the Macomb Education Center. As noted in the C&IT Wireless Access Point Use Policy, wireless access points installed by individual departments, employees or students may be removed from the campus network if C&IT currently provides Wi-Fi access in that area.

Three different Wi-Fi networks

  • WSU-SECURE: The WSU-SECURE wireless network encrypts your data from your computer to the wireless access point. You must use your AccessID and password to connect; do not share your credentials with family or friends. It is strongly recommended that all Wayne State students, faculty and staff use WSU-SECURE because it is the safest way to use the internet on campus.
  • WSU-PUBLIC: this wireless network for Wayne State guests and visitors; it does not require an AccessID and password to connect.
  • WSU-LIMITED: If you live in WSU Housing and your gaming device, smart TV or other internet capable device is not compatible with the WSU-SECURE wireless network, you may fill out a device exception request to connect to WSU-LIMITED.

Tips

There are multiple factors that may affect your wireless connection. If you are having issues connecting to WSU-SECURE, please consider the following exceptions before contacting the C&IT Help Desk.

  • Turn Wi-Fi Off/On: If you move from one spot to another and suddenly lose a working connection to WSU-SECURE, turn off the Wi-Fi control on your device and then turn it back on. This will re-associate your device with the closest Wi-Fi access point. If all else fails, power your device off and then on again.
  • Temporarily turn off cellular data: So that your device doesn't have to waste time determining whether it should use Wi-Fi or the cellular data network.
  • Forget other networks: Make sure you remove other WSU networks from your device. If your device is switching between networks, you will have a less consistent connection.
  • Password change: If you have recently changed your WSU AccessID password, you will need to reconfigure WSU-Secure on your device. Follow these instructions.
  • Wi-Fi protected access devices: Some streaming or gaming devices (Chromecast, Apple TV, etc.) require a Wi-Fi connection but cannot be connected to WSU-SECURE because there is no way to logon. Enter your device into our Device Registration Portal to connect to WSU-LIMITED.
  • Use a wired connection: If you are using a computer with an Ethernet port, connect directly to the network with a cable. Wired connections are always fast and more secure than wireless ones. Wired connections are available in housing units, The Undergraduate Library (UGL) and Purdy Library.
  • Additional networks and rogue devices: Wireless connections become slow or interrupted when there are other devices broadcasting a signal nearby. Make sure that you and those near by do not have:
    • Routers: Personal routers are banned in housing and residence halls. If you see any "rogue" networks, tell your RA or Community Director.
    • Cellphone hotspots: Hotspots are not necessary and only heighten the problem by creating more interference.
    • Wireless printers: If your printer has a wireless option, make sure it is turned off and use a USB cable to print.

  • Update OS: If you have updated or restarted your smartphone recently, make sure to install any available updates to your operating system and drivers. Trying restarting your computer, smartphone or tablet.
  • Inactive access point: Verify that an access point is working; if you cannot see WSU-SECURE as an available network, please alert the C&IT Help Desk.
  • Device: Attempt to connect to WSU-SECURE on multiple devices to eliminate the possibility of a device issue.
  • Disable power-save: Power Save Polling (PSP) is a feature that provides extended battery life for laptop computers. The mode requires coordination between an access point (AP) or router and the Wi-Fi adapter. Some APs or routers may not implement the feature correctly or completely, which may cause connection loss, difficulty connecting to wireless or getting a poor connection when you do. Learn more about PSP on the C&IT Knowledge Base.

Get help

We can only fix the problems that we know about. If you are a resident and are experiencing these issues within your room, report the issue to the C&IT Help Desk.