We are struggling with the same issues. We are finding that X-boxes and PS3s generate lots of interference (they use a proprietary 2.4 protocol between the joysticks and console).
This summer we've added over 100 AP to the dorms, moved several, changed our AP's antenna configuration, disabled 1 and 2 Mbps data rates, and are implementing channel layering (Meru) to try and address the issue. We are also planning on being more aggressive at getting rid of student installed wireless AP's. We are considering adding a 5GHz only SSID in the dorms to encourage users to use 5 GHz ( we do have band steering enabled, but a dedicated SSID would insure that devices only use 5GHz and not fall back to 2.4). We'll see what happens. -Neil -- Neil Johnson Network Engineer The University of Iowa Phone: 319 384-0938 Fax: 319 335-2951 Mobile: 319 540-2081 E-Mail: [email protected] From: "Lay, Daniel" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Reply-To: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:16:29 -0500 To: <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Interference in dorms. Last year we had several students that would complain about poor wireless coverage in their rooms. It was usually followed by the comment that they did not have this problem at home or in other areas of the campus. After performing various test and wireless scans I am of the opinion that a good portion of these problems were introduced by the students themselves by bringing in various devices that emit 2.4 interference. I am curious about how any of you guys have addressed this problem and informed the students of these potential interferences. Have any of you added a section to orientation that discusses the problem of interference and did it have good results. Did any of you do a poster campaign with good results or did you issue a Faraday cage to each student to store their stuff in (yes that was a joke). I can only see this problem getting worse with wireless printers and game consoles that all have a potential to cause interference. I am open to any ideas and or suggestions. Thanks. Daniel Lay Networking Specialist Samford University ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
