Do College Dorms Have Ethernet?

If there is one thing that every college student needs the most, it is access to a good Internet connection.

Research conducted by Kvavik on 4,374 college students, all with access to the Internet, aimed to know how college students use technology. He found that 99.5% of the surveyed college students use their computers to write documents and emails, 97.2% surf for pleasure, and 96.4% use them to do classroom activities. 

This demonstrated that technology and the Internet are very important to almost, if not all, college students.

So, if you’re starting to pack for whatever you need in college, ask yourself, “Do college dorms have Ethernet, and does mine have?” 

Because we are telling you, it will save you from a lot of network issues.

Your Campus Dorm Internet

With the number of students it caters to, it is no surprise that your campus network is not consistent with the Internet speed you want and need for your college undertakings. But that does not mean you will take it as it is and just wait for the web browser to buffer forever. You have things to do and deadlines to meet, and you may want to find a solution to your problem fast.

Another limiting fact on your dorm Wi-Fi is that it will probably only allow you to connect a maximum of 5 devices. Your dorm Internet will also have restrictions. And you will need to log in using your school ID and password before you can connect. Imagine the hassle of all of that.

How to Get Faster Connection

Below are alternatives on how to get faster connection for surviving your college needs.

Use Your Campus Dorm Ethernet

If you are confused as to what Ethernet is, it is basically wired access to your school’s local network. It gives you faster internet. Your device directly connects to the Internet in contrast to Wi-Fi, which connects you to the signal via an access point.

Most, if not all dorms provide each room with a wired Ethernet port that you can use to connect your devices. But before setting your Ethernet connection up, you may need to request your IT department to have it turned on. Plus, students agree that connecting computers via Ethernet improved their network quality.

Get a Personal Router

If you have multiple devices like your smart TV, computer, wireless printers, phone, and game console, getting a personal router is a smart move. As long as your college approves, a personal router benefits you in some ways.

Speed: Your own wireless router will save you from Internet traffic as opposed to just logging in to your dorm’s Wi-Fi. This improves your network speed, keeping up with whatever you need it for.

Security: Your dorm’s Wi-Fi connects you to a broader network that many students use. This makes your network security low, allowing hackers to access your personal information. With a router, it gives you your own private connection. It is more secure and private, as information will only be sent through your network, which only you have the access to, thereby reducing the chances of anyone acquiring your personal information.

How to Set up Your Router

Look for your dorm room’s Ethernet port, which is usually built on a wall. Plug one end of your Ethernet cable to the port or jack and the other end to your router, usually labeled as WAN, Internet, or Ethernet.

Then, check if your computer has access to your wireless network. Use the default username and password as seen on a sticker on your router upon log-in. Once you’re already connected to your network, immediately change your router log-in information to help you stay secure. 

Ready for College

With the things you have to accomplish in a limited amount of time, you will surely miss the quality network connection you had at home. College, indeed, is a lot to handle, so best to prepare yourself before heading off to your dorm. Best of luck!