University Network FAQs

The Bradley Wireless Network provides wireless connectivity to all areas of campus including all residence halls and many off campus residential areas (fraternities and sororities).

Bradley provides two general use methods for connecting to the wireless network; those are BUsecure and BUguest. Similarities and differences are summarized as:

Which network (BUsecure or BUguest) should you use?

All members of the Bradley community should use BUsecure if possible. Only devices that cannot support the required security protocols or people who do not have a BUnetID, should use BUguest. BUsecure provides a reliable, safer and more robust method of communication.

Can I just use my own wireless router in my room?

No. The wireless network is engineered to provide full and robust coverage in all areas of the residence halls. This is also true for St James and many of the fraternities and sororities. Adding personally owned access points to your living area interferes with the radio frequencies of the access points. You can use personal routers to provide additional wired outlets, but you should turn off the wireless portion of your router. For help disabling the wireless in your personal router, call or visit the Service Desk.

What else causes interference with the wireless network?

Many types of devices can cause radio frequency interference with the Bradley network.

• Wireless printers: Many printers today offer a wireless option. These are primarily a convenience for you, but will cause interference and poor performance of the wireless network. Use a USB cord to do your printing and your other wireless access will work much better. Turn off the wireless radio on your printer! You may need to install a special driver on your machine to manage your printer. For help with printer configuration, call or visit the Service Desk.
• Game consoles: If your game console provides a wired option, turn off the wireless option and plug in your console. If yours does not offer a wired option, please work with the Help Desk to assure that yours is properly configured to avoid conflicting with the Bradley wireless.
• Other devices: Many other devices, like microwave ovens and wireless telephones can cause interference. Be aware of the effect the use of these devices has on your wireless service.
• Walls and enclosures: Walls and other enclosures interfere with radio frequency transmission. We work to adjust for the walls themselves but other enclosures may effect your performance.
• Ad hoc - PC to PC wireless:

Can I use the wireless network for Sakai?

Yes, although we strongly suggest that you only use BUsecure. In addition, test taking in Sakai depends on a continuous, uninterrupted connection to avoid problems. With that in mind you should NEVER use a wireless connection for testing.

How can I get the best network performance from my computer?

The highest speed, most reliable connection will always be from a wired connection. If you need high bandwidth connectivity, with low latency and reliable transmissions, plug into the provided wired port in your room.

When you plug in your computer, turn off the wireless radio. This helps you avoid any internal confusion in your machine about which connection it should use.

Large numbers of people in a small area using wireless connections can run into performance issues. If you are connected but your throughput is low, move to a less congested area.

I have a problem with the wireless network in my room. What should I do?

Please start by trying to identify whether the problem is with your computer or with the network by troubleshooting with with the following:

• Does your computer work at other locations on campus, like the Library?
• If you move from your room to someplace in the hallway, or in a common area, does it work properly?
• What does the signal strength indicator on your computer tell you?
• Do you successfully connect to the network but then drop your connection? Or, are you unable to connect?
• If you are trying to connect using a phone, try turning off the cellular data usage in the phone's settings.

After you have the answers to these questions, you can go to the Service Desk or call (309) 677-2964 for help.

I am having trouble getting BUsecure configured on my device and I get a message about certificates. What should I do?

If your your device prompts you to accept a certificate when trying to connect to BUsecure, click the allow button. Some computers may ask for a password before it will accept the certificate. This will be your computers password, not your BUnetID password.