Wireless Networks
There are wireless networks available all over campus. This makes the wireless networks convenient because you do not need to be plugged in and only need to be on campus to use it.
Here is a list of all the wireless networks on campus:
- drew - unencrypted network, needs no log in information to use
- drew1x - encrypted network, needs log in information to use
- drew5 - unencrypted network, needs no log in information to use, only present in the 5.0 GHz range
- drew5x - encrypted network, needs log in information to use, only present in the 5.0 GHz range
It is important to note a few things about using the wireless network:
- If many people are trying to use wireless in the same area, the connection will be much slower.
- Users may get kicked off if new people log on and begin using wireless in the same area. The number of users and bandwidth are what determine the speed and reliability of the connection.
- Microwaves, cordless phones, and other devices can create interference that can interrupt connections.
- Wireless is not available everywhere on campus and the connection may not be ideal.
Wired (Ethernet) Network
To get a wired connection, use your Ethernet cable to plug into a jack in the wall. Each dorm room has network jacks installed which make it easy to connect your laptop, gaming console, or other device to the network using a network cable. Wired connections are most reliable and consistent. Bandwidth may be more plentiful in certain buildings or rooms on the Drew campus with wired connections. If you are streaming video, playing an online game, or downloading large files, you may want an Ethernet connection.
Checking the Status of Your Connection
On a PC
Wireless Connection
If your computer is already connected to a wireless network, you will see this icon in the System Tray: PICTURE
Clicking once on the icon will give a list of available networks detected by the computer. It may take a few moments for the computer to detect all networks in the area. Resting the cursor on top of the name of the wireless network will give you a full system status overview. PICTURE
Generally, covered areas will receive a Good or Excellent signal (3 or more bars). You may be able to connect with lesser signals, but it is more likely that the system will disconnect or have slower performance. We cannot guarantee complete reliability in areas with less than Good coverage.
The strength of the wireless signal varies at different points on campus. Wireless access at some sites is much faster; for example, do not be surprised if your connection is slower in the library than it is in your dorm room.
Ethernet Connection
If your computer is already connected to a wired connection, you will see a network connection icon in the system tray. If your Wireless Switch (located on the front or side of your computer) is turned off, or if you are not yet ceonncted to an availble wireless network you'll see this icon. PICTURE
On a Mac
The Wireless Connection icon is at the top of your screen on the right hand side in the toolbar. It looks like a wavelength.
Click on this icon. A list of the available wireless networks will appear. Choose a network and provide a password (if requested), and then you will be connected. If the Drew Network asks for a password, use your Drew uLogin as your username and password.
Troubleshooting
- Make sure you are in an area in which wireless connections are available.
- If you're using a non-Drew computer, we cannot guarantee coverage ranges that we have tested for wireless connections. This will have no effect on wired connections.
- If you have installed a third-party wireless card in your computer, your signal reception may vary and we cannot guarantee your connection.
- It's possible that your drivers need to be updated. You can either call the University Technology Service Center or bring the device down to the University Technology Helpdesk for assistance with checking this.