Internet in Residence Halls
On-campus residence halls have both wireless and wired network connectivity options. Students can use the UConn network for both academic and personal use. Students should not purchase internet service from an ISP if they are planning to live on-campus in the majority of residence halls.
Storrs campus
Wireless internet
All on-campus residences have access to the UCONN-SECURE wireless network. This is an encrypted network that will provide you access to both on-campus and off-campus computing resources. You can authenticate into UCONN-SECURE using your NetID and NetID password. Modern Windows and Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and Android phones can all connect to the network. To learn more about UCONN-SECURE, see this page: UCONN-SECURE
If you live in The Oaks on the Square, click here to learn more about the network offered in your residence.
Some devices do not support UCONN-SECURE. These include but are not limited to smart TVs, game consoles, and smart speakers. If your device cannot connect to UCONN-SECURE, it is recommended to plug it into Ethernet (see below). If your device does not support Ethernet, you can register it for access on the UCONN-GUEST network. To learn more about this option, see this page: Registering Wireless Devices for Internet Access
For the best wireless performance, do not obstruct the access point. Do not put any belongings or furniture in front of it or do anything that might damage it.
Wired internet
Wired internet with an Ethernet cable will give you the fastest, most stable connection to the network. Most devices support Ethernet either with a port built into the device, or with an adapter that plugs into a USB port.
Most dorms have at least one Ethernet port. If you want to plug multiple devices into an Ethernet port, you can use a network switch. Ethernet provides network access comparable to UCONN-SECURE, but is not burdened by the potential for high wireless network traffic, which can cause stability and speed issues.
Ethernet in most on-campus residences
Applicable to: Alumni Quad, Buckley/Shippee, Busby Suites, Charter Oak Apartments, Connecticut Hall, East Campus, Garrigus Suites, Hilltop Apartments, Hilltop Halls, McMahon Hall, Northwest Halls, South Campus, Towers Quad, West Campus
North Campus (New Haven, Fairfield, Litchfield, Tolland, Baldwin, McConaughy, Hurley, Middlesex, Windham, New London, and Hartford halls) does not have wired network support. Residents are encouraged to use wireless device registration for devices that do not support UCONN-SECURE.
Your room may have a wireless access point (WAP) in it. The WAP is a small white box with a Cisco logo mounted on the wall. This device broadcasts a signal for you and your neighbors to connect to the network wirelessly. For the best wireless performance, do not obstruct the access point with furniture or belongings. Access points provide service to multiple rooms, so do not attempt to modify or damage them. The WAP also provides wired network access.
If you have a WAP in your room, you can plug into the port on the bottom of the device to connect to the network. Please be sure to use ports labeled LAN1, LAN2, or LAN3. Ports labeled Pass-Through or Console will not provide Internet access.
If your room does not have an access point, you can plug directly into the data jack in the wall of your room. If you find a data jack with a blocker installed, do not attempt to remove the blocker. These ports were intentionally disabled and will not work even if the blocker is removed.
Ethernet in Peter J. Werth Residence Tower and Northwood Apartments
All rooms have an open data jack on the wall that you can plug directly into. If you find a data jack with a blocker installed, do not attempt to remove the blocker. These ports were intentionally disabled and will not work even if the blocker is removed.
Network in the Oaks on the Square (Campus Housing-controlled sections)
The UConn network is not offered in The Oaks on the Square. Internet connectivity is provided by the Oaks facility management. Questions about their Internet service can be directed to their support contacts at https://www.theoaksonthesquare.com/.
Stamford campus
Hartford campus
Important note about personal wireless access points
Residents are not permitted to install personal wireless access points (a.k.a. “routers”) in their dorm rooms. Personal APs interfere with the campus wireless network and will cause disruption for other users. Detected wireless access points will be shut down by ITS. If you are experiencing issues with the campus wireless network, you should contact the Technology Support Center.
Personal unmanaged network switches are permitted in residence halls, as long as they do not broadcast a wireless signal.
Network stability and speed
A wired connection will provide the most stable network connection. Despite all of the advancements in technology, dorm walls made of cinder-block and a concentrated number of devices in a small area will cause issues with wireless networks. If you have a device that needs a stable and lower latency connection (game consoles, for example), a wired connection will always be better.