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Which Network Should I Connect To?

ResNet has two different wireless networks you can connect to: protected and the guest/device network.

RESNET-PROTECTED

Available Frequencies: 5 GHz
Authentication/Security: WPA-2-Enterprise

This network utilizes WPA-2-Enterprise and requires your device to be able to authenticate to a network using both a username and password (your AD credentials). Encrypted wireless connections make it more difficult for others to "listen in" on your wireless conversation. The service cannot encrypt your data through all the paths it travels, but it does offer a more secure connection. This network is only broadcast on the 5 GHz frequency which has faster speeds and less interference than the 2.4 GHz frequency. Devices such as smartphones, laptops, and most tablets can typically connect to the protected ResNet network, but not all devices support WPA-2-Enterprise or 5 GHz. If your device cannot connect to the protected network, you may need to register it for use on the RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE network. 

RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE

Available Frequencies: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
Authentication/Security: WPA-2-PSK
Pre-shared Key: ResnetConnect

This type of network requires a pre-shared key (PSK) and is similar to your home network. If your device does not support web browsers, the device must be registered in order to connect. Although the network is encrypted, if you are concerned about security, consider using a VPN when connected to this network, ensure you only connect to encrypted web sites (addresses starting with https:// instead of http://), or connect to the WPA-2-Enterprise network. The guest network is broadcast in both the 5 GHz and the 2.4 GHz frequencies. This network is intended for guests and ResNet devices that must be registered on our network. 
Note: Device registration is available to UCSD Affiliates only, guests cannot register devices on the RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE network.

Having problems connecting?

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Try turning off WiFi on your device and turning it back on. This gives the device a chance to connect to the closest access point (AP) to the device, which should result in faster speeds and a more stable connection.

If your device can only detect ResNet's WPA-2-PSK network (RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE) and WPA-2-Enterprise network (RESNET-PROTECTED), then your device most likely only uses 2.4 GHz wireless antennas (not 5 GHz). You can connect to RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE with the passkey ResnetConnect

5 GHz band:

  • Faster speeds
  • Shorter range

2.4 GHz band:

  • Slower speeds
  • Longer range
  • Lots of interference from other devices using this frequency (eg. Bluetooth devices, microwaves, wireless speakers, cordless phones, baby monitors, etc)

ResNet recommends you use the 5 GHz band to connect if your device supports it. It should be faster and more stable than a 2.4 GHz connection.

Yes! If you want to make your computer capable of connecting to the 5 GHz frequency, the easiest way is to purchase a wireless adapter. ResNet recommends that you purchase an 802.11ac USB wireless adapter (typically less than $25 online). If purchasing a wireless adapter is a financial burden, please contact ResNet.

ResNet cannot guarantee that your device will be able to connect to the network, but we will make our best effort to assist you. Refer to our guide: Connect to RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE

No, only UCSD affiliates with Active Directory credentials can connect to the protected network. Guests should connect to the RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE network. Do not share your Active Directory credentials with anyone, even your own guests.
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