Further tuning of Olivet's wireless network, along with gains from the wireless network upgrade project, has eliminated most of the interference issues we have been experiencing over the past few months. As mentioned in the 2/12/12 status update, a RF engineer returned to campus in March 1st to perform another scan of our wireless environment.  The results were significantly better compared to the scan performed in late December.  While we consider the overall interference issue resolved, monitoring of our wireless network will continue and adjustments made when necessary.

We extremely appreciate the patience and understanding you exhibited during this process.  Thank you very much!

More details on the progression of this issue can be found below:

2/2/12 - Status Update

The project to upgrade our entire wireless network infrastructure (click here for more details about the project) has provided some improvement regarding wireless connectivity.  With the exception of external access points and one internal location, all campus buildings have been upgraded with new wireless access points.  We are tuning the system to maximize coverage and signal strength but prevent access points from potentially interferring with each other.  Towards the end of February, we are plan on having the outside company referred to earlier back on campus to perform another scan and analysis of our wireless network.  The comparision of that scan to the one performed in late December will help identify where further tuning can be performed to make the most efficient and effective use of our wireless network.

1/5/12 - Status Update

Further research and assistance from an outside company indicates the interference problems are both internal and external in nature.  As the number of wireless devices on campus continues to grow, our wireless network needs some tuning in order to best accommodate the demand.  A company performed an analysis of our campus right before the Christmas break.  This provided a baseline for wireless traffic and volume without students on campus and classes in session.  They are returning to campus the middle of January to perform another analysis that takes into account student use and classes being held.  The difference in the scans will help identify how we can best tune our wireless network.  The company also noted a few other influences that are not yet fully identified.  We anticipate the mid-January scan to help with that identification.

Your patience is much appreciated as we continue to work towards a resolution to this situation.

11/9/11 - Status Update

While the new equipment being installed as part of the wireless upgrade project can better handle and navigate interference such as what we are currently experiencing, a permanent resolution to this situation is not available at this time.  Research has indicated that multiple factors appear to be contributing to the interference.  We continue to work with various parties in determining the best solution for the problem.

10/5/11 - Status Update

We are continuing to work with the owner of the signal believed to be creating interference with our wireless network.  We appreciate your patience as we coordinate further research and work on resolving the situation.

9/23/11 - Status Update

Through the use of an analysis device this week, we have determined what we believe to be the source of recent campus wireless connectivity issues.  It appears that a signal from very near to campus has been creating some interference with our system.  We have contacted the apparent owner of that signal and are working with them, and others, to confirm the status of the signal and determine why it appears to be causing the interference.  From there we should be able to develop a proper course of action to resolve this situation.

9/16/11 - Original Notice

Our wireless network has recently been experiencing some problems with connectivity and slowness. The degree of these issues seems to vary based on location across campus. We are working with our wireless vendor to determine the source of these issues and develop a solution. Unfortunately, we do not have any other details at this time we can pass along regarding specific location statuses or when we expect the problem to be fully resolved. In the meantime, there are alternative methods for students to get to online resources.

A number of labs are available across campus as well a public stations in Benner Library. A listing of labs can be found on the IT web site at http://it.olivet.edu/current-students/services/computer-labs. Please be aware that some lab locations do have limited access and hours.

Another option is to plug the computer into the gray data jack located somewhere in the dorm room or apartment. As long as the computer is registered, Internet access should be available using this method. An ethernet cable is required to complete this type of connection. The length needed will vary on the configuration of the room and cords can be purchased at a number of local stores. When using a wired connection, it is often helpful to turn off the wireless adapter in order to prevent potential conflicts. The method of doing so varies across different brands of computers but most of the time there is either a hardware or software switch to accomplish this task. Consult the manual or user guide from your manufacturer for more details.

We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide a status update as soon as one is available.