Miami Network / Guide: Unsupported devices

Purpose

• To provide guidance to Miami students in purchasing devices that are likely to be compatible with the services we offer

Scope

• This guide is intended to help Miami students purchase devices that are likely to be compatible with our services by defining supported and unsupported protocols and devices
• The Miami University network is an Enterprise-grade network in both the residence halls and all other University buildings. While most traditional platforms and devices are supported and can connect to the network with minimal effort, some consumer device types are not designed or intended to be compatible with an Enterprise-grade network

User

• Miami University Student
• IT Help

Environment

• 10139: Wireless Network
• 9583: Access Network
  • Wired Network
• Supported Protocols and Devices
• Unsupported Protocols and Devices

Guide

Miami wired and wireless networks

• Miami's wired and wireless networks are separate, independent networks designed to provide 100 percent redundancy. In other words, if the wireless network goes down, the wired network would be unaffected (and conversely). And while our Enterprise-grade network delivers reliable performance at a University level, it can present problems when using certain consumer devices, which are made to work on home networks

Supported protocols and devices

• The Miami wireless network — MU-Wireless, MU-Gaming, and MU-Guest — is a dual-band (2.4Ghz, 5Ghz) network that supports 802.11 a,g,n, and ac wireless protocols
  • It does not support earlier wireless protocols, such as 802.11b
• The Miami network and related support staff can reliably accept and support traditional devices running the following operating systems:
  • Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10
  • macOS X (10.7 and up)
  • Linux
  • iOS
  • Android and Chrome operating systems

Unsupported protocols

• We monitor all attempts to bring devices onto the Miami network. This includes devices designed and intended for use in single-family homes on consumer network routers, such as Internet of Things (IoT) and smart appliances and devices that are not engineered for use with the unique characteristics of an Enterprise network
• The Miami network does not support the following wireless protocols:
  • 802.11b
    • Certain older wireless devices may only run on the 802.11b wi-fi standard
  • WEP/WPA login
    • Some devices require the user to enter an SSID name and passcode into the app or device during configuration
    • Miami does not provide connectivity via password only

Unsupported devices

• While non-traditional and smart devices are commonly used by individuals and in the home, some consumer devices are not engineered for use with the unique characteristics of an Enterprise network
• We have determined that the following devices are incompatible with the Miami (wired/wireless) network and — after many diligent hours of troubleshooting — cannot be reliably supported by our staff

Notes

• In some cases, devices may be used in other ways, such as connecting devices via USB cable, Bluetooth, or wired Ethernet. Student residents who are considering the installation or use of any unsupported device should consult with Miami's support staff before deployment to the Miami network
• Consequences of use in defiance of this policy:
  • A resident who is found to be in defiance of the WAP ban will receive a warning 
  • If the resident does not heed the warning, the University will impose a network block
  • Repeated offenses can result in disciplinary action
• This list changes, as issues come to our attention. Contact us with questions about any devices not on this list and we will look into it!  
   
• Reference: Stanford Student Technology Help article on unsupported devices