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 10.
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 both MacOS and Windows 10.

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 the UCB Wireless network. 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 such as UCB Wireless 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 UCB Wireless.

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

Phones, and iPhones in particular, frequently disconnect from campus Wi-Fi networks in residence halls on the main campus.

Workarounds

Until this issue is resolved, OIT is conducting weekly Wi-Fi radio resets to minimize the connectivity issues on Sundays at 1 a.m. The following troubleshooting steps can also help provide relief for this issue:

Resolution

The Wi-Fi vendor has been engaged to identify the root issue. 

Impact

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

Resolution

Whenever sensitive data is transmitted on wireless, a VPN should be used for secure data transmission.

Issue

iPhone users who have upgraded to iOS 13 may have issues connecting to eduroam. If the device has not connected to eduroam before upgrading to iOS 13, it may not connect without additional permissions changes. If the device connected to eduroam before upgrading, the permissions needed to connect should be grandfathered in.

Workaround

Use a different wireless network (e.g., UCB wireless or UCB Guest Wireless) while on campus.

Resolution

OIT is currently working to provide assistance for users who have trouble connecting.

Issue

The Secure W2 on-boarding page is not currently compatible with Chrome for Apple iOS and the software can't be accessed.

Workarounds

Use a different browser when on-boarding with Apple iOS devices (e.g., native Safari app).

Issue

Due to the secure nature of eduroam, some Android users may run into a browser error page that will not allow them to continue without setting a pin for their phone lock screen.

Workaround

Set a lock screen pin for your Android phone, then you should be able to get started with eduroam on your device.

Issue

When toggling between SSIDs (e.g., switching from eduroam to UCB Wireless), a reauthentication may be necessary. This is because the SSIDs are different NAC policy zones and have different authentication requirements.

Workaround

There is no true workaround as the authentication is necessary, but staying on the same SSID on a device will limit reauthentication.

Issue

Due to the nature of your eduroam credentials being stored locally on your device, changing your IdentiKey password using Identity Manager will cause an eduroam authentication failure.

Solution

Depending on your operating system you may be prompted to re-enter your credentials. If not prompted, the most reliable method for correcting the authentication issue is to repeat the onboarding process. The following tutorials explain this process:

• Windows Setup and Connect to eduroam
• Mac OS X Setup and Connect to eduroam
• iOS Setup and Connect to eduroam
• Android Setup and Connect to eduroam

Issue

Users have reported they cannot connect to eduroam using their laptop, though it may work on their phone or tablet. This can be caused by the eduroam Server Certificate not being loaded on the laptop.

Workaround

Disable the Server Certificate Validation for the eduroam network in your computer's wireless settings. This check may not occur with all operating systems.

Solution

Install eduroam Server Certificate on end-user computer.