Skip to main content
ResNet ResNet
  1. ResNet
  2. Get Connected
  3. RESNET-PROTECTED vs RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE

RESNET-PROTECTED vs RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE

ResNet has two different wireless networks you can connect to, a protected network and a guest/device network. These each serve different purposes which we will go into below. 

Protected Network

Network Name (SSID): RESNET-PROTECTED

Available Frequencies: 5 GHz

Authentication/Security: WPA-2-Enterprise

Username/Password: Your Active Directory username and password

How to Connect to RESNET-PROTECTED

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: for most students this will be your email address without @ucsd.edu and the password you use to sign in). 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, however, 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. 

Guest/Device Network

Network Name (SSID): RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE

Available Frequencies: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz

Authentication/Security: WPA-2-PSK

Password (Pre-Shared Key): ResnetConnect

How to Connect to RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE

This type of network requires a pre-shared key (PSK) and is similar to your home network. If your device does not have a web browser, the device must be registered using the instructions from Connect to RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE. 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.

Why are my sites/webpages loading slowly when on WiFi?

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.

Why is the protected network not showing in my list of available networks?

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). 

What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless frequencies?

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.

Is it possible to add 5 GHz capabilities to my 2.4 GHz-only computer?

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.

My device can connect to my home network. Why can't it connect here?

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

Can guests connect to the protected network?

No, only UCSD affiliates with Active Directory credentials can connect to the protected network. Guests should connect to the RESNET-GUEST-DEVICE network.

Contact Us