Wireless Internet - Known Issues

Issue

Multiple users have reported issues accessing sites including colorado.edu and Canvas from a home network using CenturyLink. Our technicians have found the root cause in these cases being new routers that are auto set to have a dynamic DNS.

Workaround

To fix, access your router settings and change to static DNS. OIT recommends using this guide for macOS, or this guide for Windows 11.
If after trying this you are still unable to connect to Canvas, you can try flushing the DNS to ensure there is not incorrectly cached data affecting it. Here is a guide for flushing the DNS on macOS, Windows and Linux.

If you still have trouble or the above information does not work, please contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.

Impact

The multicasting functions required by Apple TVs, Google Chromecasts, and other smart home devices cannot be used on campus Wi-Fi networks. Multicasting is what allows you to "cast" or "mirror" to the device from another device, like your phone or laptop. While multicasting works well over small networks, it causes performance issues for large networks and therefore it is not enabled at CU Boulder.

Workarounds

At this time, there are no workarounds for casting and mirroring with multicast devices on campus Wi-Fi.

Impact

Wireless signals can be affected by environmental issues such as bookcases, desks, and other large furniture, as well as interference from 2.4 and 5 GHz phones, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and wireless game controllers.

Workarounds

Use a wired connection whenever available, especially in dorms. If you would like a second Ethernet jack enabled in your dorm room, please contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.

Impact

Mobile phones, and iPhones in particular, frequently disconnect from campus Wi-Fi networks in residence halls on Main Campus.

Workarounds

The following troubleshooting steps can help provide relief for this issue:

1. Restart your phone weekly, if not daily.
2. Connect to CU Secure, rather than CU Guest or eduroam.
3. iPhone owners: If you still have connection issues after following steps 1 and 2, try these steps:
   1. Ensure you are running the latest iOS version.
   2. Go to General, choose Reset, then Reset Network Settings.
4. If you still have connection issues after following these steps, please contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or complete the Network Troubleshooting Form for help.

Impact

Windows 10 and 11 have a Use random hardware addresses setting that is not active by default, but when activated can cause users to receive frequent registration requests when using CU Guest.

Solution

To resolve this issue on your Windows 10 or 11 device:

• Open the Settings app.
• Select Network & Internet.
• Select Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > CU Guest.
• Under CU Guest Properties, go to Use random hardware addresses for this network and change the drop-down to Off.

Impact

Wireless service is shared with other users and is inherently less secure than wired connections.

Resolution

Whenever sensitive data is transmitted on unencrypted Wi-Fi networks (e.g., CU Guest, eduroam), a VPN should be used for secure data transmission.