Colgate provides Wireless coverage across campus keeping you connected.

On Campus Wireless Networks

Our Networks

Colgate provides several wireless networks for use.  See table below for a summary.

Network (SSID) Designed for these devices Intended for use by
eduroam Laptops, desktops, smart phones, tablets Faculty, Students, Staff
Gaming and Media Devices that do not have a browser - game systems, smart TVs, streaming devices Faculty, Students, Staff
Guest Laptops, smart phones, tablets Guests

Select your operating system or platform for complete instructions:

Troubleshooting

In the event of a change in your password or any configuration changes, you may need to forget eduroam network on your device before using the instructions above.

The Gaming and Media network is for those devices that do not have a web browser, game systems, smart TVs, streaming devices.

 

Note - do not attempt to connect to the Gaming and Media network until after you have registered your device.

Step 1.

Identify your device's MAC address. 

(See "Finding Your MAC address" at the bottom of this page for help identifying your MAC address.) 

Step 2.

Register your device's MAC address.

Step 3.

Set your device to connect connect to Gaming and Media.

Guests on campus may connect to the Colgate-Guest Wi-Fi network for free.

Prior to browsing, users will be prompted to accept an "Acceptable Use Policy."

Outdoor Wireless

ITS has installed outdoor wireless access points in certain areas across campus to help you enjoy our beautiful campus while staying connected.

Quad/Upper Campus

  • Alumni - the area between Alumni and West Halls (two locations) one north towards Lawrence Hall and one south toward Jane Pinchin Hall 
  • Burke/Jane Pinchin  - the area between Burke and Pinchin Halls 
  • East Hall - the area between East and West Halls 
  • Lawrence Hall - the quad in front of Lawrence Hall
  • O'Connor Campus Center - the patio in front of O'Connor Campus Center
  • Persson Hall/Spear House - the area between Persson Hall and Spear House
  • Stillman Hall - (two locations) one north towards Alumni Hall and one east towards Andrews Hall
  • Wynn Hall - the area north of Wynn Hall between Wynn and McGregory Halls

Middle Campus

  • Case-Geyer - fifth floor patio
  • Lally Lane near JCC Hall
Abridged map of campus with graphical indicators that display locations of outdoor wifi locations.

Gaming and Streaming Devices - Finding your MAC Address

You'll need to know your MAC address for any personal devices that you wish to use on the Gaming and Media wireless network.  Use the instructions below to determine your MAC address.

 1.  Click Start, then Run

2. Type "cmd"

3.  Type "ipconfig /all"

4.  The results will include all the MAC addresses on the computer.  For the wired MAC address, looks for terminology such as "ethernet" or "ethernet for local area network".   Your MAC address will be listed as Physical Address, and is 12 digits long (a combination of numbers and letters, such as A8-A1-0A-59-4D-EC).

1.  Click on the Apple menu then System Preferences then Network

2.  Highlight Ethernet (or your ethernet adapter) on the left side.

3.  Click Advanced on the right, then Hardware tab.  The MAC address will be listed.

1. Go to My Xbox in the Xbox Dashboard and select Settings.

2. In the Settings pane, select Network.

3. Select Advanced Settings from the Network Settings tab.

4. At the bottom of this screen you'll see a headings for Wired MAC and wireless MAC. 

1.  Turn on your Playstation 4 without any disk in the drive and wait for the menu to pop up.

2.  Navigate to the Settings icon (located on the far left).

3.  Select the System icon under the Settings menu.

4.  Select System Information.  You will see your MAC address listed on this screen - it's a combination of numbers and letters, such as A8-A1-0A-59-4D-EC.

1.  Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.

2.  Scroll down through the menu and select Internet.

3.  The Nintendo Switch console's MAC address will be listed under System MAC Address -- it's a combination of numbers and letters, such as A8-A1-0A-59-4D-EC.

1.  From the Home screen, press Up to show the menu bar.

2.  Select Settings.

3.  Select Player Info.  Your MAC address will be listed - it's a combination of numbers and letters, such as A8-A1-0A-59-4D-EC.

 

1.  Open the Alexa app on your tablet or phone. 

2.  Select Devices at the bottom of the screen. 

3.  Select Echo & Alexa in the upper-left of the screen.

4.  Select the Echo device you want to register.

5.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to the About menu. 

6.  The MAC address will be listed on the About page - it's a combination of numbers and letters, such as A8-A1-0A-59-4D-EC.          

1. Turn on the Google Home.

2.  Open the Google Home App on your tablet or phone.

3.  Choose the Google Home Mini from the list of nearby devices. Select Set Up.

4.  When asked about your Wi-Fi info, tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of your screen.

5.  You should see the MAC address of your Google Home Mini in the window that pops up - it's a combination of numbers and letters, such as A8-A1-0A-59-4D-EC.

At Home and Off Campus Network Connections

Working or studying from home can present connection challenges.  Use our guide to improve your experience.

If you are experiencing poor internet or connection speeds, below are a few tips, but we also recommend you contact your internet service provider for more advanced troubleshooting.

Should these troubleshooting tips still not provide you with fast enough speeds for your coursework, please contact the ITS Service Desk by phone at 315-228-7111 or by email at itshelp@colgate.edu.

Home Wireless

  • Check your internet connection by going to speedtest.net.  For reference,  Zoom requires 3.8Mbps/3.0Mbps (up/down) for a high definition call
  • If you determine you have a poor connection, restart your cable modem and/or router.
  • Avoid placing your router/wireless point on the floor, in closets, or behind larger appliances
  • Try to manage the timing of others in your household using large amounts of bandwidth, like streaming video.
  • Use a wired Ethernet cable if possible.
  • Please remember that public Wi-Fi hotspots should not be considered safe and secure.

 

Wireless Cell Phone Carriers

Depending on your cell phone plan, you may be able to make your phone a hotspot and connect your laptop wirelessly to your phone.  If your plan includes a hotspot option, place your phone in a location where it can receive the best signal from the nearest cell phone tower, and connect your laptop to its wireless network.  Perform a connection test by going to speedtest.net  - the wireless connection from your cell carrier at your home may or may not be faster than your home cable or DSL connection. 

 

Home Internet Service Providers (ISP)

If you are experiencing connection issues, you may want to consider the following:

  • Reboot your router or modem.
  • Contact your ISP to:
    • conduct advanced troubleshooting.
    • discuss options for a home service visit to check your exterior and interior cables/lines, and discuss options to upgrade your equipment (modem) or service plan.

Restrictions

Certain devices are either restricted or unsupported on our network.

Personal wireless printers

Personal wireless printers that broadcast a network name for a connection are not permitted. If you have one of these printers, please turn off the wireless and connect it directly to your computer via its supplied USB cable while on campus.

Devices using Apple Talk, Bonjour, mDNS; Sonos, and Chromecasts

These devices — such as the AppleTV, Sonos, and Chromecasts — are not supported by the vendors and usually do not work on our Enterprise network.  ITS is will provide a "best effort" support to get these devices connected . While you may find these devices work in some areas of the campus at certain times, there is no guarantee of their functionality.

IP telephones and 4G/5G range extenders

IP telephones and 4G/5G range extenders are not readily supported. These devices often use GPS which can be a difficult signal to capture on campus and often encounters compatibility issues with the University's network security equipment.

Sniffers and network analyzers

Sniffers or network analyzers of any kind are not permitted. These devices and software/hardware configurations are meant to watch traffic and are therefore in violation of Colgate's Acceptable Use Policy, as well as many laws.

Home routers, wireless access points, hubs, switches

Home routers, wireless access points, hubs, or switches, whether wired or wireless, are not supported. These devices can cause issues with performance across the network.

 

Ask for Help

If you are unable to find the information you need in the documentation available online, the ITS Service Desk is available to assist.