Wifi

Updated: October 4th, 2024

What wifi networks are offered at Glen Oaks? 

WiFi uses something called an SSID - Service-set Identifier. Basically, this refers to the 'name' of the wireless network that a device can connect to.

The Main campus broadcasts 3 SSIDs that can be used while on campus.

1. Tsunami: This wireless network is considered to be our 'Free' wifi. This is meant for guests and new students to connect their mobile devices to the internet temporarily. This is an 'Open' network, and does not offer any security whatsoever. The IT Department advises all Staff, Faculty, and Students not to connect to this network for official or personal business.
2. Student: This network is meant for Glen Oaks Students to connect to and access resources for their schoolwork. This offers greater security than an open network can. Students should use the same username and password that they use to login to campus PCs to connect to this network.
3. Private: This network was introduced as a way to separate Staff and Faculty connections from Students and Guests. Staff and Faculty should connect to this network while on campus to keep communications secure. To connect to this network, please use the same username and password that you would use on the Single Sign-On. 
4. GOCC_Coaches: This network was created for Glen Oaks Coaches and administrators to connect to the internet, securely. This is available only while in the gymnasium. 
5. VikingsWiFi: This is also available only in the gymnasium. This network was created for the public, students, and staff or faculty to connect to during the many events that take place there.

The Devier Student Suites offers 2 SSIDs to connect to

1. Viking Guest: Students and other guests may use this network to connect their personal devices to and access the internet.
2. Viking Private: This network is for Staff only. This network offers a greater level of security within the Suites that can be used to safely browse the internet

How do I connect to the Wifi?

Before we dive into this, please know that the wifi connectivity is not the best is some places. If you are under the concourse, or in the tunnel going from the A-Wing to the concourse, connectivity can be a bit spotty. We hear you - the IT department is committed to bringing a secure and stable wireless network to Glen Oaks.

Connect Windows 11 to Wifi:

1. In the system tray, bottom-right, you should see a menu that looks like this:

(laptops will have a battery icon next to the speaker / sound settings)

2. Click on the icon highlighted above to bring up this menu:

3. Click on the arrow to bring up a list of wireless networks advertised throughout the college

Connect Windows 10 to Wifi:

1. In the bottom-right of the system tray, locate this icon:

2. A list of available wifi connections will populate - choose the right network and connect.

Connect to Wifi on Android Devices:

Before you proceed, please understand that each version of Android OS can be different, and settings on one device may not be in the same place as others. This is a best effort to show where those settings can be found - if you still need help, please contact [email protected].

1. On your device, locate your 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet'
(Some devices allow you to swipe down from the top to locate the 'Wifi' settings

2. Networks advertised on the Main Campus or in the Devier Student Suites should begin populating here > Choose the network you want to connect to

3. If prompted the use a CA certificate, choose 'Do not Validate. It is safe to ignore the message that 'Your connection will not be private'. Devices are recognized on our network and we can see who is connected, but this is for troubleshooting purposes only - your privacy will be maintained.

Connect to Wifi on Apple devices:

1. On the home screen of your device, locate 'Settings' and tap on 'Wifi'

2. If Wifi is turned off, flip the slider to turn it back on

3. Your device will now begin searching for wireless networks - choose the correct network and connect

4. You may be prompted to accept the server's certificate before connecting. Choose 'Trust' to allow your device to continue to connect.

I see a lot of other wireless networks - should I connect to those?

The short answer is no. There are only a few circumstances where you should attempt to connect to other wireless networks:

Printers - Some printers have wireless network capabilities that offer a wireless SSID for you to connect to. This is to allow you to easily print from a laptop or smart device, and is not meant to provide internet access

Hotspots - You might be familiar with these devices, and currently use them on a daily or weekly basis. Hotspots are great when the cellular reception is good, but internet access is not available. The SSID these devices broadcast can be found by flipping them over and looking underneath.

...and multiple others

Always beware of wireless networks you do not recognize - do not connect to them unless you are absolutely sure! 

Report any suspicious networks to the IT Department ([email protected] or helpdesk.glenoaks.edu)

Can this be improved? Submit your suggestions to [email protected]