this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2024
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I just moved into a student dorm for a semester abroad, and beforehand I emailed them asking whether they had ethernet ports to plug my router into (I use it to connect all my devices, and for WiVRn VR streaming). They confirmed that I could, but now that I'm here the wifi login portal is asking me to accept these terms from the ISP, which forbid plugging in a router. There's another clause that forbids "Disruptive Devices" entirely, defined as:

“Disruptive Device” means any device that prevents or interferes with our provision of the 4Wireless to other customers (such as a wireless access point such as wireless routers) or any other device used by you in breach of the Acceptable Use Policy;

So what are my options? I don't think I can use this service without accepting the terms, but also I was told by the student dorm support that I could bring a router, which contradicts this.

EDIT: some additional context:

  • dorm provider is a company separate from my uni (they have an agreement but that's it)
  • ISP (ask4) is totally separate from dorm provider, and have installed a mesh network that requires an account. On account creation, there are many upsells including one for connecting more than one device. The "free" plan only allows me to sign in on a single device, and I can upgrade to two devices for 15 pounds.
  • ethernet requires login too
  • VR streaming requires a high performance wifi 6 network, which is why I bought this router (Archer C6 from tp-link)
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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

From the wording of the other rules below the highlighted one, I can only assume they mean you can't install a second router that they provide. I mean, it also says you can't install any "owner-supplied" devices.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Robust but complex solution:

  1. Set up an encrypted VPN at the router level. Any encryption will work, even weak dumb encryption is fine. Any attempts to decrypt it would be mad illegal.

  2. Turn off your SSID.

It is now functionally impossible to detect anything about the traffic or the Wi-Fi router without some serious or illegal methods.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I would go wired.. get a switch, run an Ethernet cable from the dorm wall to the switch then out from your switch to your PC.

That said the university is probably handling DHCP and dns.. You could use a USB WiFi plug to generate a hotspot off your PC. if you wanted to run your own wifi...

But honestly the dorms WiFi with you using a VPN to a major service is probably easier everyday use wise.

Let me just say this.. my college lost WiFi connectivity for about 2 months once when I was there.
The only people who had WiFi were the folks connected to the pirate wireless. Because folks were doing the wired device --> hotspot deal with their desktops.

So might not hurt to be prepared.

Also... The dns settings for your device.. you should set those. If you use DNS from your university... It lets them control what you can and cannot see on the net.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Is the VR streaming in the Local net (PC to Headset)? Just run the WiFi router without plugging it into the wall. Connect only the pc and the headset.

Also, appart from that, to use more wired devices, maybe use an unmanaged switch. Don't think that does anything forbidden here.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

probably protecting against the 5g. people might be allergic to it.

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