Body
If you are having difficulty connecting to the MSUemployee wireless network, the MSUstudent wireless network, or to ResNetWireless in the Residential Halls, please look through this document for basic troubleshooting steps you can use to try to fix the issue. If you still have trouble, you can contact the Service Desk at 270-809-2346.
MSUstudent, MSUemployee, and MSUGuest Instructions
Instructions for connecting to the MSUstudent wireless network
Instructions for connecting to the MSUemployee wireless network
Instructions for connecting to the MSUGuest wireless network
ResNet
In Summer 2020, Information Systems upgraded the ResNet wired and wireless networks. These upgrades allow faster and easier device access to the Internet in the Residential Colleges and College Courts. See our "Connecting to the Internet in the Residential Colleges and College Courts" article for more information on how to connect wirelessly..
‘Forget’ the Network
Its common for someone to change their network password and then not update their devices with the new password. Most devices will store credentials and until they’re updated, attempt to connect with what information they have. So, if the old password is there it will fail authentication until changed. Also, there are other settings that could be altered on a particular wireless network which could break your connection.
Try going into your saved WiFi networks and ‘forget’ the network you’re having issues with. Afterward, when you open the list of SSIDs (wireless network names), the network will show up and should prompt you for your credentials when you try to connect.
Reset/Reboot
It could just be a temporary issue with the client device. Try turning off WiFi on the device and turning it back on. If that doesn’t help, reboot the device which will close any lingering processes on your system that could be slowing network resources.
Distance & Interference
Most areas around campus and the residential halls have wireless network coverage. Moving closer to an access point and seeing much improved speed could be an indication that distance is playing a larger factor in the issue.
Sometimes distance can be confused with interference. This is because moving closer to an AP could clear things up but the actual problem may be caused by some other device interfering on the same frequency. Most, but not all, interference will be caused by devices operating on the 2.4Ghz spectrum. This is due to fewer channels being available to transfer data on and the signal dissipating at a lower rate than 5Ghz, which makes the 2.4Ghz band popular for low-throughput devices. Some common devices that could cause interference with wireless:
2.4Ghz - Wireless Standards b/g/n
- Microwaves
- Wireless Game Controllers
- Cordless Phones
- Mobile devices
- Wireless Peripherals
- Rogue APs (non-university access points)
- Bluetooth Devices
5Ghz - Wireless Standards a/n/ac
- Cordless Phones
- Rogue APs (non-university access points)
- Radar
If you notice a device listed above is in range and have ownership of that device, try removing it from the situation and testing your WiFi connection. If it looks like something could be causing interference that is university property, please contact the service desk.
It’s also very important to urge anyone you know in the residential colleges that has their own wireless router to TURN IT OFF, IMMEDIATELY. An improperly configured home router can cause significant wireless network interference and is a security risk to anyone who connects to it. If someone will not comply with a request or you’re not sure where it is located but see the SSID (network name) showing up, contact the Service Desk or Housing and give them the best description possible so the unauthorized device can be removed.
Updating Drivers
In rare circumstances the driver may need to be updated to clear a ‘bug’ that may exist. Most devices, such as MacBooks, include WiFi drivers in the system updates. However, if you need to update your driver manually in Windows 10, see below:
Windows 10
- Select the Start button, type Device Manager, and select it from the list of results
- Expand one of the categories to find the name of your device, then right-click (or tap and hold) it, and select Update Driver. For graphics cards, expand the Display adapters category, right click your graphics card and select Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If Windows doesn't find a new driver, you can try looking for one on the device manufacturer's website and follow their instructions.
“Update drivers in Windows 10.” Windows Support. Microsoft. 2017
Wired Ports
Students living in the residential halls can request that the hard-wired ports in their room be activated so they can plug in an ethernet cable (assuming the device isn’t wireless only) during the hours that it seems to slow down. It’s also important to turn off any devices that aren’t in use so that they aren’t using up unnecessary time with the access point.
To request the wired port in your room be activated, navigate to our "Activate a Wired Port on ResNet" service and click the "Request This Service" button. Fill in the required info and click "Request." If you have problems with this, contact the Service Desk for assistance.
Still Need Help?
Can't connect your device? Submit a service request for ResNet Support.
Experiencing other issues with the ResNet networks, such as slow speeds or a connection dropping? Report a Network Issue on ResNet.
Or call us using the contact information below.
Contact Information
Service Desk - 270-809-2346 or msu.servicedesk@murraystate.edu
Housing Office - 270-809-2310 or msu.housing@murraystate.edu