How do I connect to the wireless network?
The college provides high speed Internet access to anyone connected to the campus’s wired and wireless networks. Network bandwidth is managed to ensure an equitable distribution among all users.
Students will connect to the MCStudent wireless network. Employees of the college connect to the MCEmployee network. You will need your MyMack username and password to connect to the network.
With this: We’ve improved the way that students connect all of their devices to our network. Click this link for instructions on how to connect.
Eligible: Students, Employees
Availability: 24 Hours, Daily
Support:
Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Is there wireless available for Guests of the College?
Courtesy guest access is available for web-browsing. Access speed is rate-limited. Access to campus resources is blocked.
Is the wireless network secure?
Student access to the wireless network is encrypted. Access to the network is limited to students with valid Merrimack Network accounts.
The Internet connection is protected by a firewall and Intrusion Protection System (IPS). The firewall permits virtually all outbound connections and restricts direct inbound connections to a select number of special servers.
Employee access is encrypted and available on college owned devices.
What type of connection speed can I expect?
At Merrimack College, each student on our network can expect to utilize a 4Mbps connection. The number of devices connecting to a single wireless access point may affect your connection speed.
We recommend downloading materials for class ahead of time to avoid potential network bottlenecks.
How long will it take to download files with a 4Mbps connection?
Download speeds are affected by many things, including the number of connections utilizing a single wireless access point, distance to the closest wireless access point, time of day, congestion external to the college, etc. The chart below was pulled together from various sources and estimates download speeds using a 4Mbps connection based on different file sizes under the best circumstances (one user connecting to an access point with no network traffic). Actual download speeds will vary significantly based on the factors just mentioned above.
|
Download Size |
Example file |
Estimated Download Time |
|
Extra Small file (<=5MB) |
A 4-5 minute song An average ebook A typical Word document or PDF file |
Approximately 10-20 seconds |
|
Small File (20MB) |
A low-quality YouTube clip A 5 minute video |
Approximately 40-60 seconds |
|
Medium File (50MB) |
A high-quality YouTube clip |
Anywhere between 1½ -3 minutes |
|
Large File (100MB) |
A 2 minute HD movie trailer A 9 hour audio book |
Anywhere between 3-6 minutes |
|
Large File (200MB) |
A typical iOS update A 45 minute TV show |
Anywhere between 10-11 minutes |
|
Very Large File (512MB) |
A low-quality movie download A game demo A 45 minute HDTV show |
Anywhere between 15-17 minutes |
|
Extra Large File (1G) |
A 2 hour movie |
Anywhere between 40-45 minutes |
Source: https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/guides/broadband_download_times/
Where is wireless available on campus?
The college maintains a wireless network composed of more than 800 wireless access points. All campus buildings including dormitories have wireless service. Major outdoor quadrangle areas have limited service as well.
Can I connect my own wireless router?
No. Wireless routers and access points are notorious troublemakers on a large network and are strictly prohibited. If you find a wireless dead spot on campus please report it to the IT Help Desk.
Can I connect my wireless printer?
Please DO NOT BRING a wireless printer to campus. Like wireless routers and access points, wireless printers are prone to interfere with the campus network and are strictly prohibited.
