Sometimes wireless doesn't work, why?

Listed below are things that can cause your wireless connection to fail even in areas close to wireless access points.  This does not include issues such as unregistered users or improperly installed or configured drivers.
 

• Structural interference:  The dense materials of which buildings are made will interfere with wireless signals creating "dead spots" for service.  They are more prevalent further away from the centers of wireless service.
   
• Frequency interference:  The frequencies used by wireless networking are also used by other things such as microwave ovens and many cordless phones.  Microwave ovens are, of course, allowed on campus, but cordless phones operating in the 2.4GHz range are regulated and not allowed if wireless networking is present.  Unfortunately, this is very difficult to enforce.
   
• Rogue access point interference:  As stated in the Networking Policies of the Office of Information Technology, users are prohibited from installing or operating other wireless access devices, including wireless network access points, on Missouri State University property.  Unfortunately, this is even more difficult to enforce than cordless phones especially in public areas such as Plaster Student Union.  Users often bring their own wireless access points, connect them to the public, wired ports, and knock legitimate users off of the wireless networks.