Dorm Wi-Fi Best Practices & Information

This document will cover the best practices for utilizing dorm WiFi.

As more and more devices are connecting to wireless, and real-time applications like Zoom are becoming commonplace, the wireless network is quickly evolving to meet these new demands. We continue to tweak and tune the wireless network on campus to provide you the best Wi-Fi experience possible, in addition to wired options available in each room. Here are a few tips and information you can use to improve your Wi-Fi experience here at Grand Canyon University.

Position for 'Line-of-Sight'

Plug devices into power (charging)

• Some newer devices will send more power to their Wi-Fi when charging 

Turn off 'WPS' and 'Wi-Fi Direct'

• Printers, TVs, Bluetooth speakers, etc. can create a hotspot and interfere with LOPES

Device Compatibility

• Wi‑Fi 6 is supported in the Dorms and across campus. For the best experience, 5 GHz compatible devices are recommended whenever possible. 2.4 GHz is available for older devices and compatibility, but it’s not the best option for speed or reliability.

Device Maintenance

• Remove old Wi-Fi profiles. Your device scans for each of these, which takes time & battery
• Turn Wi-Fi off/on, OR, Reboot: If turning Wi-Fi off/on doesn't do the trick - REBOOT
• Update your device drivers (Help Desk & Nerd Herd can help with this: 602-639-7700)
• Perform a network reset (Help Desk & Nerd Herd can help with this: 602-639-7700)

Plug devices into ethernet

• Use a wired connection if available
  • Especially for: Xbox, PS4, Roku, Firestick, & Chromecast, if available 
• Wi-Fi communicates data like cars sharing a single lane road
  • Of all the devices connected to an AP, only one can communicate at a time (like a walkie talkie)
  • Wired connections are like a two-lane highway can send and receive at the same time
• For live applications like Zoom, try to wire in
   

Building Specific Tips

Six-Story Apartments Bldgs: 27 Encanto, 28 Roadrunner, 41 Agave, 50 Diamondback, 52 Antelope, 53 Cactus, 54 Jerome, 56 Sonora, 60 Palo Verde, 63 Ponderosa Access Point (AP) Location: 6-7 feet high on hallway wall Tips: Position your furniture, body, and device for 'line-of-sight' Plug devices into ethernet
U-Shaped Dorms Bldgs: 36 Prescott, 37 Camelback, 39 Sedona, 45 Chaparral, 46 Saguaro, 49 Ocotillo Access Point (AP) Location: 2 feet high on the common room wall Tips: Move mini fridges, couches, TVs etc. to allow the AP free space to boost signal Grove Dorms Bldgs: 81 Willow, 82 Acacia, 83 Ironwood, 84 Juniper Access Point (AP) Location: 2 feet high on the common room wall Tips: Move mini fridges, couches, TVs etc. to allow the AP free space to boost signal  M-Shaped Dorms Bldgs: 30 Cypress, 31 Canyon Access Point (AP) Location: 2 feet high on the common room wall Tips: Move mini fridges, couches, TVs etc. to allow the AP free space to boost signal
Big & Little Papago Bldgs: 47 Big Papago, 48 Little Papago Access Point (AP) Location: 2 feet high on the common room wall Tips: Move mini fridges, couches, TVs etc. to allow the AP free space to boost signal
North Rim Apartments Access Point (AP) Location: 2 feet high on the common room wall Challenges: Easily blocked furniture etc. Tips: Move mini fridges, couches, TVs etc. to allow the AP free space to boost signal

Please reach out to [email protected] if you encounter any issues. IT Support can be contacted at 602-639-7700. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6am - 7pm and Saturday 7am - 12pm.