MWireless frequency change to improve campus WiFi
ITS is enhancing the campus wireless experience across UM-Ann Arbor by switching MWireless exclusively to a 5GHz frequency to reduce network interference and deliver more bandwidth.
For a list of campus buildings where the change will be made first, see the 5GHz Roadmap (U-M login required).
No action required for most
For most devices, no action is required. They will stay connected to MWireless with no interruption. This includes all ITS-managed MiWorkspace computers. Only MWireless is affected—Michigan Medicine networks, like MWireless-UMHS, will be unaffected.
A better wireless experience
WiFi on campus will be improved for most people by:
- Offering a faster and more reliable connection
- Reducing network congestion that may cause interference
- Increasing bandwidth available to each device
Older devices may need to connect to eduroam
After the change, it is estimated that less than 5% of older devices will only be capable of connecting to WiFi on 2.4GHz, which will no longer be provided on MWireless. These devices will need to use the eduroam campus network instead. To configure all of your devices for U-M networks, including eduroam, connect to the "MSetup" network or visit the MSetup website.
What is eduroam?
Eduroam works exactly like MWireless for university students, faculty, and staff, offering the same level of security and access to U-M services. eduroam is the secure, world-wide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community. eduroam also allows students, researchers and staff from U-M and other participating institutions to get online when visiting other institutions.
Popular devices that will need to connect to eduroam include Amazon Kindle devices (v.3.0) , Apple iPhone 4s, Apple iPod Touch (gen. 1–4), HP Chromebook 11, and many Android devices (v.4.0–6.0).
When will the change occur?
For the majority of the UM-Ann Arbor campus, the change will be made in January 2020, after successful testing at ITS, Ross School of Business, Hatcher & Shapiro Libraries, and the Duderstadt Center. For a list of campus buildings where the change will be made first, see the 5GHz Roadmap (U-M login required).
For more information about U-M WiFI networks, see our WiFi page.