Office of Student Life

Technology Services

Here's a Few More Things to Try

If you've followed the instructions in our Connection Guide and still can't connect or the connection is not optimal, here are some additional things you can try:

Wireless Connections

Remove existing Ohio State wireless network profiles.
Remove (or "Forget") any saved profiles for eduroam, osuwireless, Registered4OSU, and WiFi@OSU on your device and try to connect again.

Check the signal strength.
You may need to move to an area with a stronger wireless signal. Report wireless coverage issues with an online service request.

Look for sources of RF interference.
Move away from cordless phones, microwave ovens, bluetooth devices, and CFL bulbs that are known to interfere with the radio frequency that WiFi uses therefore contributing to poor wireless performance.

Connect using the 5 Ghz channel.
If supported, set your device to prefer the 5 Ghz band as it is less susceptible to RF interference, is less congested, and offers higher bandwidth.

Did you register the correct MAC address? (Registered4OSU network only)
Some devices have multiple MAC addresses, one for each network interface/connection. Be sure you are looking at the correct MAC address for the WIRELESS interface.

If you have validated your MAC address, try registering it again. It is normal to see an error message if your MAC address is already registered.

Check for driver or firmware updates.
Manufacturers release new firmware and drivers from time-to-time containing new features, compatibility and bug fixes for supported products.

Is your WiFi radio enabled?
Check to ensure your device's WiFi function is enabled.

Power cycle your device.
Shutting down and restarting can help clear existing connections and software problems.

Try a different power saving profile.
Certain power saving features can result in reduced performance or intermittent connection issues. Try selecting a high performance profile or temporarily disabling power saving features to see if your connection improves.

Are you using a static IP?
Static IPs are not supported on our network. Please configure your device for DHCP and restart or power cycle. 

Wired Connections

Did you register the correct MAC address?
Some devices have multiple MAC addresses, one for each network interface/connection. Be sure you are looking at the correct MAC address for the WIRED interface you are connecting with.

If you have validated your MAC address, try registering it again. It is normal to see an error message if your MAC address is already registered.

Check your cable and connection.
Make sure you are using a manufactured (not DIY) Category 5e/6 Ethernet cable and that the ends of the cable are firmly inserted into the jack. Cable defects may not be immediately noticeable. Try and see if you can borrow a working cable or purchase a new one.

Try another port.
If you don't see link lights or connection activity/confirmation on your device, try another port in your room. If you don't get a connection, you may need to request a jack activation. If any of the jacks are damaged, please submit an online service request.

Check your IP and NIC settings.
Static IPs are not supported on our network. Please configure your device for DHCP and restart or power cycle. Your NIC must be set to Autonegotiate. Manually setting the speed and duplex is not supported.

Check for driver or firmware updates.
Manufacturers may release new firmware and drivers containing new features, compatibility and bug fixes for supported products.

Do you have an inline device?
Devices in the pathway (hubs/switches, PoE injectors, VOIP phones, etc.) between the wall jack and the device you wish to connect may be causing interference. Remove those inline devices and plug your device directly into the wall jack to see if you can connect.

Power cycle your device.
Shutting down and restarting can help clear existing connections and software problems.

Try a different power saving profile.
Certain power saving features can result in reduced performance or intermittent connection issues. Try selecting a high performance profile or disabling power saving features to see if your connection improves.

Still Having Trouble?

It's time to call in the pros. Please call us at 614-292-5700 or submit an online service request, we'd love to help!

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