Troubleshooting Slow Wi-Fi Connections on Campus

The purpose of this article is to provide a guide for troubleshooting slow Wi-Fi connections on campus, helping users identify potential issues and improve their internet experience.

• Vanderbilt University Community

  • Faculty and Staff

  • Undergraduate Students

  • Graduate and Professional Students

• VUIT Internal Knowledge  

• Access to your VUnetID and ePassword

• A device connected to VUnet or EduRoam

• Basic understanding of network settings on your device   

Slow Wi-Fi connections on campus can hinder productivity and affect the overall user experience. This article outlines common issues that can lead to slow connections and provides steps to troubleshoot these problems effectively.   

Check Network Status:

• Verify if the campus network is experiencing outages by visiting the VUIT System Status page.

Restart Your Device:

• Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve connectivity issues and improve performance.

Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network:

• Disconnect from the Wi-Fi network and reconnect. This can help refresh your connection and resolve minor issues.

Forget and Reconnect to the Network:

• On your device, forget the campus Wi-Fi network and then reconnect by entering the credentials again. This can clear any saved data that might be causing issues.

Check for Device Interference:

• Ensure there are no physical obstructions or electronic devices (like microwaves or cordless phones) that may interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.

Update Network Drivers:

• Ensure that your device's network drivers are up to date. VUIT can help check your device manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers. For help checking for driver updates place a Desktop Support Service Request.

Adjust Network Settings:

• For advanced users, check the network settings on your device. Ensure that you’re using the appropriate IP configuration (DHCP is typically recommended).

Use Ethernet If Possible:

• If slow Wi-Fi persists, try connecting your device to the network using an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

We can help if there are issues. To get assistance, please place a Network Connectivity Service Request.

• No Connection: If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, check if your device's Wi-Fi is enabled and that you are within range of the access point.

• Intermittent Connectivity: If you experience frequent disconnections, check for interference from other devices.

• Consistently Slow Speeds: If slow speeds persist after troubleshooting, place a Network Connectivity Service Request with VUIT for further investigation.

Check the quality of your network connection at: http://vanderbilt.speedtestcustom.com

• You can even click the "Copy Link" button and provide the link to your VUIT or ISP technician to give them additional context as to the quality of your network connection.

Always keep your device's operating system updated for optimal performance.

• See: How to Update Computer Operating Systems (OS): Windows and MacOS    

VUIT System Status