Apple compatibility issue with campus Wi-Fi
Apple's Private Wi-Fi Address feature, introduced in macOS Sequoia and updated for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, can cause connectivity issues when using campus Wi-Fi networks. The same is true if you update your iWatch or VisionPro.
OIT strongly recommends that you set Private Wi-Fi Address to "off" on your Apple devices for the UCB Wireless, UCB Guest and eduroam networks.
Learn more about the impacts of Apple's Private Wi-Fi Address feature.
Features
CU Boulder's wireless internet provides easy access to the network from any Wi-Fi enabled personal device throughout campus. Between UCB Wireless, UCB Guest and eduroam, Wi-Fi is available in approximately 90% of all indoor building space on campus—and even on the Buff Bus.
Note: Comcast provides internet services to graduate and family housing apartments. For details, see the Network and Internet Services page.
Which network should I use?
| Network | Who should use it | Resource access | Authentication |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCB Wireless | All CU Boulder affiliates with an active IdentiKey | Most protocols and internet | Once yearly |
| eduroam | Faculty, staff, students and visitors from institutions that use eduroam | All protocols are open to campus resources and internet | Once yearly |
| UCB Guest Wireless | Campus visitors who need basic web and email access | Limited protocols (web, email, SSH) | Every 24 hours |
Cost
Wireless internet is a common-good service offered to faculty, staff and students, which means there is no direct cost to the individual or department.
Who can get it
- UCB Wireless is available to all CU Boulder affiliates with an active IdentiKey.
- eduroam is available to all CU Boulder affiliates with an active IdentiKey, as well as users from participating institutions.
- UCB Guest is available to all visitors to the CU Boulder campus.
General Wi-Fi Tips
Experiencing a weak Wi-Fi signal and poor network performance?
If you have a weak Wi-Fi signal and are experiencing poor performance on UCB Wireless, UCB Guest or eduroam, try the following.
- Disconnect and reconnect to the network.
- Ensure the network you want to connect to is on the top of your list of networks or is checked as one of your preferred networks.
- Be aware that Wi-Fi access points are not located outside, so Wi-Fi may be spotty between buildings.
If you are unable to connect to Wi-Fi, contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.
Experiencing a strong Wi-Fi signal but poor network performance?
If you have a strong Wi-Fi signal but are experiencing poor performance on UCB Wireless, UCB Guest or eduroam, try the following.
- Turn off other devices that provide Wi-Fi services in the area (e.g., Wi-Fi printers, smartphone Wi-Fi hotspots).
- Check your available Wi-Fi networks for any non-CU Boulder networks with a strong signal. These are likely personal Wi-Fi routers, which can interfere with campus Wi-Fi and are therefore prohibited. Report suspected personal Wi-Fi routers to the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.
- Check your device's Wi-Fi driver firmware to confirm that it's up to date. Contact the IT Service Center if you have questions on how to check your firmware.
- Confirm that your Wi-Fi card isn't too outdated. CU Boulder recommends having a computer with Dual Band spectrum (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) 802.11n or 802.11ac for Wi-Fi networks. Learn how to check your device's Wi-Fi card (Mac and Windows).
- Dual band Wi-Fi USB cards connect to a USB port and can enhance your Wi-Fi experience. Look for Dual Band 2.4GHz / 5GHz when shopping. CU Boulder cannot recommend a certain brand or device, but here is an example USB Wi-Fi adapter for reference.
- Be aware of any Wi-Fi interference sources in your surroundings, like a wireless camera or a microwave. Bluetooth devices can also affect your experience, especially if your device uses only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connections.
Having problems with your web browser?
Clearing a web browser's cache can correct problems you may be having with your web browser while on the CU Boulder network. See the platform-specific instructions for clearing your web browser's cache, or contact IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu for additional assistance.
How to get support
Fill out the Network Connectivity Troubleshooting form to report an issue or contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu for additional assistance.