Residential Network Connectivity Guide

CWRU supports wireless connectivity in residential housing with access options for students and guests. The wireless network is designed for area coverage within buildings and at many outdoor facilities.
 

How to Connect

Wired network
When available, wired connectivity is preferred over the wireless network. This is related to factors such as reliability, performance, and security. Learn how to connect to the wired network.

Wireless network
The wireless network is a shared resource with protocols designed for fair client usage therefore wireless data speeds are not guaranteed. Various factors can influence wireless performance including location and type of device. Learn how to connect to the wireless network.

What to do if you need help

We understand it's not always feasible to drop what you are doing to spend time troubleshooting your connectivity issues, but it is important to get the most critical information to [U]Tech so we can assist you and others who may be experiencing connectivity issues.

Follow these steps:

  1. Read this guide completely to see if it helps you out.
  2. Call (216) 368-HELP or email the Help Desk at help@case.edu and provide the basics of your connectivity trouble.
  3. Gather information about patterns, such as time of day/week and location, as they relate to the issue.

How to test your network connection

When connected to the CWRU network, visit speedtest.case.edu.

Results are dependent on a multitude of factors, but maximum download speeds can reach up to 1000Mbps on the wired or 800Mbps on the wireless networks.

Wired network requirements

All wired devices must be registered in advance. Visit setup.case.edu to do this.

Connected devices must have the following characteristics:

  • 1000Base-T (Gigabit) or 100Base-TX (FastEthernet) network adapter
  • DHCP Support
  • Consistent MAC address (spoofing not supported)

Wireless network requirements

Summary of available wireless networks:

Network (SSID) Frequency Authentication Use
CaseWireless 5Ghz WPA2-Enterprise Student/Faculty/Staff
CaseRegistered 5Ghz / 2.4Ghz Open Student/Faculty/Staff
eduroam 5Ghz / 2.4Ghz WPA2-Enterprise Eduroam Members
CaseGuest 5Ghz / 2.4Ghz Open Public

Most modern gaming systems, laptops, tablets, and smartphones are capable of these requirements. When purchasing a device, look for "Dual Band" or 5Ghz capability. Many limitations of wireless performance are related to 2.4Ghz connectivity.

Available Wireless Networks

CaseWireless

  • Secure network recommended for students/faculty/staff
  • WPA2-Enterprise PEAP/MSCHAPv2 (Username and password)

CaseRegistered

  • For devices owned by students/faculty/staff that do not meet the connection requirements of CaseWireless. These usually include printers, gaming consoles, media devices, and TVs
  • Registration is required via MyDevices Portal
  • No password required

eduroam

  • Recommended for visiting students/faculty/staff from participating eduroam institutions
  • WPA2-Enterprise PEAP/MSCHAPv2 (Username and password)
  • Visit the eduroam page to learn more.

CaseGuest

  • Recommended for users and devices that cannot connect to CaseWireless or eduroam
  • Web browser required to agree to Acceptable Use Policy
  • Unencrypted open access wireless network
  • Internet service only

Can I install my own router?

Personal routers are not allowed. Wireless interference with the CWRU network can degrade performance for other devices on the network.

Smart Home and IoT devices

Many IoT and consumer devices do not support the connection requirements of CaseWireless. Additionally, most are not designed for use in enterprise wireless networks. CaseRegistered has been designed to provide the closest possible experience to a home network. We recommend connecting both your smartphone and IoT device to CaseRegistered for best results. Compatibility may require close physical proximity between devices. Due to the wide range of manufacturers and connection requirements, it is not possible for [U]Tech to provide assistance beyond basic network support.

More information

For more information about wireless connectivity please visit case.edu/utech/services/wireless-network.