Early-Access Wi-Fi Networks
CU Secure and CU Guest Wi-Fi are now live in select early-access buildings and will expand to the rest of campus over winter break. Learn more.
Features
CU Boulder's wireless network provides easy access to the internet and campus resources from any Wi-Fi enabled personal device on campus. Wi-Fi is available in approximately 90% of all indoor building space on campus.
Note: Comcast provides internet services to graduate and family housing apartments. For details, see the Network and Internet Services page.
Choosing the Right Network
Most Campus Locations
In most campus locations, the following three Wi-Fi networks will be available:
| Standard Wi-Fi Network | Who Should Use It |
|---|---|
| UCB Wireless | CU Boulder students, faculty and staff with an active IdentiKey |
| eduroam | Visitors from other eduroam institutions |
| UCB Guest | All other visitors to the CU Boulder campus |
Wi-Fi Early-Access Buildings
The following early-access buildings (view the OIT news story) use the new CU Secure and CU Guest Wi-Fi networks instead of UCB Wireless and UCB Guest:
- ATLS: Roser ATLAS Center
- COMP: Computing Center
- FRND: Farrand Hall
- KOBL: Koelbel Building
- SMTH: Smith Hall
- UMC: University Memorial Center
- WLAW: Wolf Law
- WVN: Williams Village North
| Early-Access Wi-Fi Network | Who Should Use It |
|---|---|
| CU Secure | CU Boulder students, faculty and staff with an active IdentiKey |
| eduroam | Students, faculty and staff moving between eduroam institutions |
| CU Guest | All other visitors to the CU Boulder campus |
Who Can Get It
Campus Wi-Fi is provided as a common-good service, which means there is no direct cost to users. The table below indicates which users have access to each campus Wi-Fi network.
| User's Affiliation | CU Secure & | eduroam | CU Guest & |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU Boulder user with an active IdentiKey | |||
| Visitor from an institution that uses eduroam | |||
| Guest visiting the CU Boulder campus |
General Wi-Fi Tips
Experiencing a weak Wi-Fi signal and poor network performance?
If you have a weak Wi-Fi signal and are experiencing poor performance on UCB Wireless, UCB Guest or eduroam, try the following.
- Disconnect and reconnect to the network.
- Ensure the network you want to connect to is on the top of your list of networks or is checked as one of your preferred networks.
- Be aware that Wi-Fi access points are not located outside, so Wi-Fi may be spotty between buildings.
If you are unable to connect to Wi-Fi, contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.
Experiencing a strong Wi-Fi signal but poor network performance?
If you have a strong Wi-Fi signal but are experiencing poor performance on UCB Wireless, UCB Guest or eduroam, try the following.
- Turn off other devices that provide Wi-Fi services in the area (e.g., Wi-Fi printers, smartphone Wi-Fi hotspots).
- Check your available Wi-Fi networks for any non-CU Boulder networks with a strong signal. These are likely personal Wi-Fi routers, which can interfere with campus Wi-Fi and are therefore prohibited. Report suspected personal Wi-Fi routers to the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.
- Check your device's Wi-Fi driver firmware to confirm that it's up to date. Contact the IT Service Center if you have questions on how to check your firmware.
- Confirm that your Wi-Fi card isn't too outdated. CU Boulder recommends having a computer with Dual Band spectrum (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) 802.11n or 802.11ac for Wi-Fi networks. Learn how to check your device's Wi-Fi card (Mac and Windows).
- Dual band Wi-Fi USB cards connect to a USB port and can enhance your Wi-Fi experience. Look for Dual Band 2.4GHz / 5GHz when shopping. CU Boulder cannot recommend a certain brand or device, but here is an example USB Wi-Fi adapter for reference.
- Be aware of any Wi-Fi interference sources in your surroundings, like a wireless camera or a microwave. Bluetooth devices can also affect your experience, especially if your device uses only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connections.
Having problems with your web browser?
Clearing a web browser's cache can correct problems you may be having with your web browser while on the CU Boulder network. See the platform-specific instructions for clearing your web browser's cache, or contact IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu for additional assistance.
How to Get Support
Fill out the Network Connectivity Troubleshooting form to report an issue or contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu for additional assistance.
