The lbnl-visitor wireless network, one of most popular and easy ways for anyone to get online on the main LBL Hill Site, is being replaced with the new, enhanced lbnl-open wireless network effective immediately.
“While the old lbnl-visitor wireless network will remain available until sometime in 2027 we encourage everyone who uses the old lbnl-visitor wireless network to ‘forget’ that network on your device and then choose new wifi option, lbnl-open,” said Richard Simon. “We expect the new lbnl-open network to have better coverage, performance, and security than the old lbnl-visitor network.”
With no username or password requirements, the new lbnl-open wireless network is as easy to join as the old lbnl-visitor network, while delivering an identical network experience.
A key enhancement of the new lbnl-open network is that it uses the new Wi-Fi Enhanced Open standards to provide opportunistic wireless encryption. This means that for most modern devices your data will be encrypted as it is broadcast over the airwaves, providing an additional layer of security against eavesdropping or hijack attacks.
Beginning in early 2026 and continuing into 2027 the IT Division will start upgrading Wi-Fi access points across most Berkeley Lab buildings to support faster speeds, more capacity, and stronger security. The new access points will use Wi-Fi 6E, a major step up from the older Wi-Fi 5 equipment. Wi-Fi 6E opens a new section of radio spectrum in the 6 GHz range, which allows much wider channels. That means a building’s total available wireless spectrum will grow from 540 MHz to 1,620 MHz— tripling the amount of spectrum available for devices to send and receive data. In simple terms, this upgrade will support higher speeds and allow many more laptops, phones, sensors, and lab instruments to use the network at the same time without slowing down.
Using the new 6 GHz spectrum requires using newer wireless network security protocols like Wi-Fi Enhanced Open and WPA3. As new access points are installed one building at a time over the next two years the lbnl-visitor network performance will degrade as it will only use the oldest and most congested range of spectrum, while the newer lbnl-open wireless network performance will be significantly improved. When the access point replacement project is complete in 2027 the old lbnl-visitor wireless network will be retired and removed from our Wi-Fi platform.
No changes are planned until sometime in 2027 for the lbnl-visitor-offsite network at off-site Lab buildings. To learn more about all of the Lab wireless network options visit the IT wireless network service page.
For assistance with using the wireless networks at LBL please visit https://help.lbl.gov/ or email help@lbl.gov
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