On-Campus Technology: What's available, what to bring, and what to leave at home

In this Article:

• Available On-Campus Services
• What to Bring (or not bring) to Campus?
  • Approved
  • Discouraged
  • Devices incompatible with our network
  • Devices that broadcast 
• Additional Resources

Services available on-campus and in residence halls:

• Computer Labs
• Wi-Fi
• Ethernet (varies by residence)
• Printers
• Cable TV services (varies by residence)
• XFINITY On Demand programming (available only for students residing on campus)

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What to Bring (or not bring) to Campus?

Approved Devices

• The following list is devices that are often compatible and welcome on our campus network. 
  • Personal laptops/desktops
  • Game consoles
  • Tablets
  • Mobile phones (no hotspots)
  • Smart TVs
  • Wired printers via USB cord
    • Wireless printers do not work on our network. See the technology to leave at home section for how students can use campus printers.
  • Some IOT and streaming devices (Alexa, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, etc.)
    • Some Rokus will require you follow the procedure here before using and some models of Roku will not work in our campus network

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Devices to Leave at home

• These devices are NOT recommended on campus.
  • Printers
    • Students should not need to bring a printer to campus, as there are printers provided in the residence halls and libraries.
    • Students are given a complimentary print credit each semester to use at campus printers.
    • To learn more and to monitor your balance, view our printing FAQ page.
      • If students chose to have a printer in their room, we ask that they bring wired printers rather than wireless for a more reliable printing experience.
  • Wireless Routers or extenders
    • These damage the strength of the wi-fi for all users on the network. If you experience slow Internet speeds please contact the Tech Desk. 
  • TV Converter Box
    • If students bring their own TV, they will have access to wired cable TV (dependent on specific residence) and/or Xfinity on Campus streaming
  • Wi‑Fi security cameras (Ring, Wyze, Arlo, Blink)
    • Not only are these devices largely incompatible with the university network, but they also compromise the privacy and security of shared living spaces and are not welcome on campus

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Devices incompatible with our network (we have not been able to make them work)

• Smart lights or bulbs
  • Hue lights and similar wifi enabled lighting requiring an ethernet hub and wifi 
• Smart plugs (most or all)
• Hatch alarm clocks
• Some models of Roku
• Most devices that serve as a smart "Hub" or "Home""
• Cameras of any kind (security, IP, wifi, etc)
  • Including Ring doorbells
  • Not welcome for both functionality reasons and privacy/security reasons
• Smart appliances (most or all)

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Devices that broadcast 

• To avoid creating network issues for yourself and your roommates and neighbors, as well as to avoid violating the University's Responsible Use of Computing Resources Policy please read these notes:
  • If you have a Roku device in you living space please follow the directions here https://services.stthomas.edu/TDClient/1898/ClientPortal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=141020 to disable the device's features that interfere with network traffic. This should be done on any other "internet of things" devices (like wireless printers) that put out a constant wireless signal.
  • Do not use the hotspot by your cell phone or other devices. Make sure this feature is turned off when on campus or in your student housing
  • Disconnect any personal mini-switches or access point

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Additional Resources (for connecting or troubleshooting)

• Wi-Fi & Internet Networks On Campus
• Network Access: Connect a Mobile Device to the secured UST wifi
• Game Console Setup
• Why Isn’t My Internet Working? (And What to Do About It)
• Wifi - How to Disable Wi-Fi Direct on Roku Devices
• Res Hall Cable and Network Options by Location
• XFINITY on Campus: Getting Started