I'm at my university and the Wi-Fi doesn't reach my seating area, plus the only cable connection is locked to a desktop that I hardly use. The IT department has denied me access to use their Ethernet with my personal laptop. However, I'm thinking about setting up a hotspot with the desktop using an adapter or some device. Is that possible, and what do I need to consider?
5 Answers
Definitely get a USB dongle, but also think about using a VPN for your connection. I've noticed that at my uni, it's possible to see other devices on the network, so a VPN adds an extra layer of privacy.
Good call on the VPN! It’s always better to be safe.
Yeah, you can do that! Just grab a USB Wi-Fi dongle for the desktop, which should be pretty cheap. After you install it, go to your network settings and enable the Mobile Hotspot feature, but be sure to set a strong password for security!
A good option is to use a small travel router if you want a cleaner setup. Plug it into the Ethernet port and it’ll create your own Wi-Fi network. Just make sure your university doesn't restrict that desktop's MAC address, or you might need to clone it, but be careful with that as it could breach their policies.
I’m surprised people are suggesting connecting to the university network. Just remember the hardwired computers are usually more secure since they’re managed by IT, so be cautious about using the hotspot.
I would advise against doing this. Connecting your personal device to the university's network like that could lead to trouble with IT. You might risk being reprimanded for bypassing their controls, which could affect your account in the future.
That's a smart idea! Thanks for the tip on the VPN!