Troubleshooting Wireless Connections

These are the most common reasons for poor RedRover connections.

• Interference: This might be happening if you frequently lose your RedRover connection or get an unusally slow connection speed. If you suspect this is happening, please report the location to the CIT Contact Center at 255-8990 or helpdesk@cornell.edu

Some of the more common items that interfere with wireless include:

• Leaky microwave ovens
• 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz cordless telephones
• 2.4 GHz wireless cameras
• Wireless video/audio transmissions; for example, video transceivers
• Unregistered wireless access points

This list is not exhaustive; other devices may also interfere with your connection.

• High demand: As more users connect to an access point, the speed decreases. The most frequently affected areas are the libraries and cafes where large numbers of individuals share a single access point.
  
  Another important factor is the kind of activities that RedRover is being used for. Transferring large audio or image files, or engaging in other bandwidth-intensive activities, will noticeably decrease the speed for all users on the same access point.

Even at its fastest, RedRover (and any wireless) will be slower than wired networks such as ResNet and RoadRunner. So out of pure self-interest, never mind respect for others, it doesn't make much sense to use RedRover for bandwidth-intensive activities anyway.

• Out of range: Your laptop may be too far from an access point to make a connection. Try moving to a different location. See Where Is RedRover?

  If you're certain you're in range of an access point and have checked the other common causes of wireless problems outlined on this page, please report the location to the CIT Contact Center at 255-8990 or helpdesk@cornell.edu

• Card not seated properly: Make sure that your wireless card is inserted all the way into the slot. You may have to press firmly.
  
  
• Network name mismatch: The wireless network names are case-sensitive and must be entered exactly as shown:
  RedRover
  RedRover-Secure
  RedRover-Guest
  
  
• RedRover-Secure problems: If you are having problems using RedRover-Secure and you have checked all of the above, go to the detailed troubleshooting instructions for RedRover-Secure.
  
  
• More complicated problems: If you've checked all of the above and are still having trouble connecting to RedRover, the cause is more likely to be an issue with your computer.

Some of the more common causes are out-of-date network interface card drivers; operating system problems; and wireless card problems. You may be able to resolve these yourself with the help of your computer manufacturer's support pages, or you may need to have your computer checked by a professional technical support service.

• Need help figuring out what's behind your RedRover woes? Please consult the CIT Contact Center at 255-8990 or helpdesk@cornell.edu