Wireless Networking Best Practices

People in Free Internet Zone, Big Wifi Symbol. Free Wifi Hotspot, Wifi Bar, Public Access Zone, Portable Device Concept. Vector Illustration.

The IT Division Networking group (LBLNet) has been working hard to expand and upgrade wireless network (Wi-Fi) coverage across all Berkeley Lab spaces, with approximately 1,000 Wi-Fi Access Points (AP) currently installed in interior areas like offices, conference rooms, and labs, as well as select outdoor locations. We understand that a robust and speedy connection is critical to your productivity.

This guide provides essential tips and reminders to help everyone navigate our wireless services, including an overview of the Lab’s networks and what they are used for, how to get connected, and what to do if you encounter issues. By reviewing and following our guidelines for best practices, you can help ensure a smooth and reliable wireless experience at work.

Berkeley Lab Wireless Networks

The Lab offers multiple wireless networks, each serving a different purpose and identified by unique names called SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers). The connection protocols and capabilities vary so selecting the appropriate wireless network for your needs is important.

Employee

SSID: lbnl-employee
Availability: Staff and affiliates with a Berkeley Lab identity.
Description: Offers access to a secure, authenticated, encrypted network with high-speed internet.
Get Connected: Follow the IT FAQ instructions for your device:

eduroam

SSID: eduroam
Availability: Employees and visiting scholars from participating institutions.
Description: eduroam (education roaming) provides federated, authenticated, and encrypted world-wide internet access to the international research and education community.
Get Connected: Follow the general instructions in the IT FAQ – eduroam Installation, or see specific instructions for your device:

Visitor

SSID: lbnl-visitor
Availability: Anybody at the main Berkeley Lab Hill site.
Description: An open and unencrypted network that is easily accessible to everyone.
Get Connected: Choose “lbnl-visitor” from the Wi-Fi network options on your device. No password is required.

Off-Site Visitor

SSID: lbnl-visitor-offsite or jgi-visitor
Availability: Anybody at an “off-site” Lab location.
Description: Unencrypted network for visitors to off-site Lab buildings. The password changes weekly.
Get Connected: Visit go.lbl.gov/lbnl-visitor-offsite to retrieve the weekly password (Lab identity required). Choose “lbnl-visitor-offsite” or “jgi-visitor” from the Wi-Fi network options on your device and enter the password.

Internet of Things (IoT)

SSID: lbnl-iot
Availability: Restricted to approved IoT devices that need to connect to the internet but may not support the security protocols of our main networks.
Description: This network has a basic firewall and specific usage terms. For more information on the IoT network, refer to the IT FAQ – lbnl-iot Terms of Service.
Get Connected: Contact the Networking group at lblnet@lbl.gov.

Special Purpose Equipment

SSID: lbnl-equipment
Availability: Restricted to approved devices only.
Description: Special purpose protected network when necessary. Requires significant justification and MOU.
Get Connected: Contact the Networking group at lblnet@lbl.gov.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

Wireless network connectivity issues can be frustrating but the IT team is here to help! Here are key tips for what to do (and what not to do) when you encounter issues with your Wi-Fi connection:

Check the IT FAQ – Trouble Connecting to the Internet: Staff experiencing wireless connectivity issues on their Apple devices (computer, and iPhone/iPad) should review these instructions, including a fix for issues with installing or connecting to Eduroam.
Check out the official documentation for your operating system:
- If your Mac isn’t connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi – Apple Support
- Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows – Microsoft Support
Restart your device.
Experienced users may try the following:
- Turn off any network configuration on your device like VPN, manual IP addresses, firewalls, and proxies.
- For Windows computers having issues accessing the network/internet. Launch the Command Prompt and try the following commands:
  - ipconfig /release
  - ipconfig /renew

DON’T

Do not remove or unplug Access Points (APs): Do not attempt to move or remove any APs from the walls as this impacts connectivity for everyone. If you believe an AP needs to be moved or you experience persistent connectivity issues, reach out to our team at lblnet@lbl.gov. Our IT professionals are equipped to handle these situations and ensure minimal disruption.

If you require technical assistance or are experiencing connectivity issues, contact the Networking group at lblnet@lbl.gov or the IT Help Desk via chat at go.lbl.gov/itchat or email to help@lbl.gov.