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.

  • mat@linux.communityOPEnglish
    111·
    29 days ago

    That’s good advice, however this dorm is not part of my uni (just a partner to provide housing) and the internet provider whose T&C I’m expected to accept and sign up for 1y of are a totally separate legal entity, that has a bunch of upsells for stuff like “connect more than 1 device” (which my router/AP would basically be bypassing, and I think that’s what these clauses are about). About the interference, is it possible to limit it severely while still having a reliable connection just within my room? I only really want to connect:

    1. Laptop (wired)
    2. Phone
    3. VR for streaming from laptop
    • seang96@spgrn.comEnglish
      11·
      28 days ago

      You can do a few things to reduce interference if the device broadcasting the signal supports it. Unifi APs support these settings. Most routers with WiFi probably do not support transmit power.

      1. Adjust transmit power to lower setting
      2. Higher the frequency, shorter the range (but that frequency may be highly used in the area), so #3 is the better option
      3. Analyze the frequency usage and picking a frequency that is least used
      4. If 2.4Ghz band isn’t necessary disable it and only use 5Ghz since it’s a higher frequency it again has a lower range.
      5. You could also faraday cage your room so the signal won’t leak out, but thats probably more work than its worth.
    • Crashumbc@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      28 days ago

      You may want to update your OP. Not being part of the University, makes a HUGE difference and will affect your options. Typically, when people say “dorms” it’s direct University provided housing.

      Options in this case:

      1. Just play dumb, nobody expects anyone to actually read TOS.

      2. Setup a router level VPN.

      3. Buy your own hotspot for Internet access. (May be cheaper to just pay for additional devices)