Students rely on campus Wi-Fi for everything from online coursework to streaming and staying connected — and when the signal drops, it can be frustrating. Marquette’s network includes roughly 2,800 access points across campus, strategically placed based on building materials, room design and the number of users in a space.
Even with this system in place, intermittent issues can still occur, and in many cases the source of the problem is the user’s device.
The Office of Information Technology Services offers the following tips to help troubleshoot common connection problems. If issues persist, contact the ITS TechSquad. Reporting the location and details of a problem helps ITS identify weak spots and address them.
- Update your device’s Wi-Fi drivers. Out-of-date drivers are a frequent cause of performance issues. If you are using a Windows laptop go to “Settings” and select “Windows Update” to check for missing updates. Ensuring your laptop’s operating system and network drivers are current can make a significant difference. If you have questions about whether your device supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, contact the TechSquad.
- Limit the number of devices connected at once. Many students have multiple devices connected to the network. Disconnecting phones, watches or tablets you’re not actively using can improve performance. Streaming, cloud backups or running multiple bandwidth-heavy apps can slow your own connection and strain the network in crowded spaces.
- Use the MUSecure network whenever possible. It’s the primary encrypted network designed to provide the strongest, fastest, and most reliable connection on campus.
- Avoid personal hotspots or other wireless routers on campus. These often interfere with the Campus wireless network and degrade performance for everyone.
For additional information read Wi-Fi do’s and don’ts in residence halls and university apartments.
