In the 21st century, it is hard to go a day without using the Internet. We live in a world that revolves around technology. It serves not only as a network for communication but also for entertainment, schoolwork and information.
It is for these reasons that Elizabethtown College provides its own secure network for students, which allows them to access the school’s Wi-Fi anywhere on campus. The school does set certain limits, as seen in its Wi-Fi and router policies, for specific reasons. Etown expects its students to follow these guidelines.
Although the school does provide its own wireless system, some students feel it is necessary to set up their own personal routers in their apartments or dorm rooms. “I used to bring my own router to school when I lived in the dorms,” junior Cody Meyers said. “I feel it is essential because I have had a lot of problems with the school’s Wi-Fi in the past.” Students like Meyers feel that it is just easier to set up their own hot spots instead of conforming to the school’s network.
Junior Shannon Deck felt the same way. “When the school’s Wi-Fi is down, it puts me in a tough position. It is more efficient for me to set up my own and not have to worry about any of the issues with the school’s Wi-Fi.” Although it may be more convenient for individual students to have their own personal router, it does come with some drawbacks.
Etown currently prohibits students from having a router on campus in any capacity to avoid certain drawbacks. Attempting to set up one of these devices can interfere with the College’s wireless network and can affect students’ devices in the surrounding area. A stated example for using a wireless printer is that it is “similar to blasting music from your room when the school radio station is already broadcasting.” In this instance, the two music streams clash with each other and neither station gets to be enjoyed.
Although it may be easier for an individual student to use his or her own router, it infringes on the College’s Acceptable Use Policy. Every student signs this policy before they move in on campus. The policy states that they will adhere to it during their entire stay at the college. The resources in the Use Policy include the facilities of the Department of Information and Technology Services, the campus-wide network, e-mail, the World Wide Web, voicemail, departmental and public computing facilities and related services.
Under the “use of Elizabethtown College Technology Resources” portion of the Policy, it states that there are a number of prohibited devices. Wireless access points, modems, network routers, wireless printers and more are prohibited from Etown’s network unless they have been installed or approved by ITS.
When students set up their own personal routers, it verges on being rude and inconsiderate of other students. As the College stated, having your own router can clutter, interfere with or create “noise” for those students using the provided school network.
Etown’s network policies are similar to those of most other colleges. Franklin & Marshall College also outlined rules and regulations concerning personal routers under the College’s Network Security Policy. Their rules state that unless a student has specific approval from the school, the use of non-authorized wireless access points, routers, modems or remote access solutions is strictly forbidden.
Etown provides its own secure network and Wi-Fi systems that give students access to everything they need during their four years. Setting up your own personal router violates the contract signed with the school and is also inconsiderate to surrounding students. The ITS Help Desk is always available for students who are struggling or having problems with their connection, and the school encourages students to reach out to this department instead of trying to fix a problem on their own.
