Wireless Network Changes and Update

More Area is Covered

Over the summer, the St. Olaf wireless network was greatly expanded. Wireless networking is now available in all of the residence halls and honor houses with coverage of up to 90-95% of all rooms. Additionally, wireless networking is available in the Science Center, Holland Hall, Dittmann Center, Old Music Hall, Rolvaag Library, and Buntrock Commons. There is also partial coverage in the Tostrud track and Skoglund gym areas.

Get all of the details about the wireless network.

Wireless Does NOT Replace Wired

While a wireless signal is available in many areas of campus, it isn't meant to replace wired connections. It's a supplemental network. In almost all cases, a wired connection will provide better transfer speeds for web browsing, e-mail downloads, etc. Also, wireless signal strength can vary considerably and are susceptible to many forms of interference. Wireless speeds also depend on how many people are connected to each access point. Wired connections don't suffer this. Get more wireless networking tips.

IIT is looking at expanding the coverage and capacity of the wireless network. In the meantime, if you're stationary, use a direct, wired connection. If you're mobile or not near a connection, use the wireless network.

Under no circumstances should you add a personal wireless router to the network. Not only will it cause more interference with the existing wireless network, it's possible that it will completely disrupt wireless networking for an entire building.