See the most common questions below along with information about Muhlenberg College's process for Guest WiFi access.
Why not just have a “open” ( password-less ) WiFi?
Open / passwordless WiFi networks pose a security risk for both the College, and for the guest’s privacy and security. Use of open / passwordless WiFi on modern devices is increasingly difficult to support. Often devices warn the user of security issues which cause confusion. It also creates a situation where people outside the college community utilize the “free WiFi” slowing down access for legitimate guests as well as students, staff, and faculty.
Why am I providing guests with these instructions?
Having WiFi passwords publicly posted ( on our web site for example ) enables a potential intruder to gain access without any connection to the college simply by being nearby. Placing the instructions behind OneLogin ensures that a Muhlenberg employee is involved in mediating access. This process gives you agency to deal with unexpected situations, like a colleague popping in over the weekend, when OIT support is unavailable.
My guests have had problems with the old guest process, how is this different?
The new process will use the same WiFi SSID ( name ) MuhlenbergGuest for the foreseeable future. The passwords will be simple and easy to enter on any device. There is no registration or mobile phone access requirement - which was a major issue with the old process. It will “just work” on any type of device from a smart watch, iPhone, tablet, or laptop, even smart devices temporarily used on campus. Simple, easy, just works.
What about conference / event specific WiFi?
OIT will continue to accept requests for event or conference specific WiFi setups for large scale events. However, since MuhlenberGuest will always be on, and continuously tested, it will likely be the best option. It is sufficient for all purposes from board meetings, to a colleague from another institution over for lunch. One reason for these special event WiFi networks was to simplify the experience for our guests. The new MuhlenbergGuest accomplishes that. It also can be depended upon on it being available without any additional planning. If you know you will have a large group on campus, its always good to notify OIT in advance, even if planning to use MuhlenbergGuest.
When is MuhlenbergGuest not appropriate to use?
MuhlenbergGuest is secured to prevent guests from directly accessing College systems. Guests have the same level of access as if they were using the public Internet from off campus. Those in residence in ML, summer interns, summer dance programs, and long term visiting faculty already have special WiFi access setups. They should not be directed to use MuhlenbergGuest except to solve a specific issue after reporting it to OIT. Similarly, for large conferences, week long camps, etc. that should be discussed with OIT ahead of time to identify an appropriate solution. Need clarification, call OIT.
Do I need to ask OIT permission first?
No, you can obtain and distribute the instructions to your visitors / guests, you don’t need to ask us first. If you expect an especially large group of visitors, it would be good to notify OIT ahead of time just so we are aware.
What about support?
Since this new guest process is vastly simpler for the guest, it should “just work” - however contact info for client support services is provided on the instruction sheet. If you have a large number of visitors with problems, check the latest instructions to make sure you have provided current version. If that does not help, contact the Support Desk to report a larger scale WiFi outage. ( If MuhlenbergWiFi works for you, MuhlenbergGuest should also work for your guests - they are the same infrastructure. )
What about vendors, contractors?
Some contractors may need elevated levels of access, for example to manage a HVAC system or lighting system. In those cases, please contact OIT to arrange for assistance. If they simply need Internet access, the guest WiFi will usually suffice.
What about privacy?
The network traffic passing through MuhlenbergGuest passes through our firewalls and wifi equipment. These systems do log events for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes. However they do not log content accessed, or the full URL of sites. Most services on the Internet are protected by SSL, so privacy is ensured between the guest’s device and the service they are accessing. Since we do not solicit the identity of our guests, these systems do not store any personally identifiable information about our guests.
