Network Performance

There are many factors that can affect the performance of your computer on the residential network.  Please follow this checklist to make sure your computer is configured for optimal performance.

1. Make sure your computer is not infected with a virus and the antivirus software is updated with the latest anti-virus data files.
   
   
2. Check to see if your computer is infected with spyware.  Spyware is the most common cause of poor network performance on the residential network.  You should download and install one or more anti-spyware programs and run them frequently to remove spyware infections from your computer.  You should also consider using the Mozilla Firefox browser instead of Internet Explorer because Firefox is not as susceptible to many forms of spyware.
   
   
3. Once you have verified your proxy settings, run your up to date antivirus software and removed all spyware from your computer, please run the network speed test.  If you are using a computer on campus and get a result that is less than 500kbps, please call the Help Deskat (714) 997-6600.

Wireless Network Performance

Most of the rooms and public areas of Chapman's residence halls are covered by the campus wireless 802.11 b/g network.  Your computer must be configured properly in order to access the Chapman wireless network.  Please call the Help Desk at (714) 997-6600 for assitance with configuring your computer for connecting to the Chapman wireless network. 

There are a number of factors that can affect the performance of the wireless network such as:

1. Personally owned firewall/router devices.  Many students bring their own firewall/routers to campus.  If these routers are improperly configured they can become “rogue” DHCP servers and can give invalid IP addresses to other student computers – preventing the other student computers from accessing the Internet.  Chapman requires that personally owned firewall/routers be registered with Network Operations and configured properly by calling (714) 997-6600 and put in a work order. 
   
   
2. Personally owned wireless access nodes.  Many students bring their own wireless access nodes to campus and connected them  to our wired network.  If they are not configured properly  these “rogue” wireless access nodes prevent other students from connecting to the Chapman network.  We recommend that students do not bring their own wireless access nodes to campus but if a student does bring a wireless access node to campus we require that the wireless access node be registered with Network Operations and configured properly by calling (714) 997-6600 and put in a work order.  Students are subject to disciplinary action by the Student Conduct Committee if they violate the policy of installing personal access points and personal gateways that have not been configured by Network Operations.
   
   
3. Personally owned wireless printers.  Wireless printers act as “rogue” wireless access nodes which prevent other students from connecting to the Chapman network.  Also, a wireless printer will allow any student to be able to use your printer during anytime of the day.
   
   
4. Bridged network interfaces.  Some students have, perhaps by accident, configured their computers to bridge the Ethernet and wireless interfaces on their computers.  This interferes with connectivity.  If you use the wireless interface on your computer please make user that it is not bridged with the Ethernet interface.
   
   
5. 2.4 GHz cordless phones.  The wireless 802.11b/g network operates at 2.4 GHz.  Cordless phones that also operate at 2.4 GHz can cause interference with wireless network signals.  Older cordless phones that operate at 900 MHz and newer cordless phones that operate at 5.8 GHz do not interfere with the wireless data network.  900 MHz and 5.8 GHz cordless phones are permitted but  2.4GHz cordless phones are prohibited  in the residence halls because they can interfere with the wireless network. 
   
   
6. Microwave Ovens.  These ovens also operate at 2.4 GHz and can interfere with wireless network signals.  Microwave ovens are prohibited excpet for the ones in the "micro fridge" units that you can rent from the Housing Office.  You should be aware that you should not expect to be able to use the wireless network in your room while you are cooking a burrito in the micro fridge!