Q. Are there any devices that cannot be used on the Optix WIFi networks?
A. There are only a few – the original Nintendo Wii, Google Homes (and Home Mini/Home Max) and Chromecasts (including Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast Audio)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Original Wii
Original Nintendo Wii consoles require a WiFi network to be broadcasting the oldest WiFi mode “B”, which is incredibly slow and performs extremely poorly in a high-density environment. Devices on a network that connect using “B” mode WiFi take 5 to 50 times as long to send the same amount of data as a device using “G”, “N”, or “AC” WiFi modes. In an effort to maintain a WiFi experience that is as fast and reliable as possible, our network cannot support devices that require “B” mode broadcast.
Chromecast (Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast Max)
Chromecast devices are unable to complete their setup process because of the way they were designed to require communication with the configuring device after initial setup. This setup requirement affects all Chromecast products.
Google Homes and Home Mini/Home Max
Google Home is unable to complete their setup process because of the way they were designed to require communication with the configuring device after initial setup. This setup requirement effects all Google Home products.
Q. What speed should I be getting on Optix WiFi?
A. The WiFi speeds you can attain are highly dependent on the device you are using and the wireless environment. Under good conditions with good wireless hardware, it is not unusual for devices to achieve 20 Megabits per second down and up or better. If you are having issues with WiFi speed or connectivity, please CONTACT US.
Q. Why am I not allowed to use a personal router?
A. In complexes where Optix is responsible for managing and maintaining the WiFi network, it is necessary for us to eliminate as many sources of WiFi interference as possible to provide the fastest and most reliable connections possible for the users. Our wireless access points work together to coordinate wireless channel utilization, broadcast coverage, and user load. When additional WiFi broadcasts are introduced such as personal routers, range extenders, hot spots and other ad-hcc WiFi connections, this becomes very difficult (since we cannot control/coordinate with them) and the resulting interference and congestion from such devices can make the WiFi experience very poor for those nearby.
For this reason, we ask that you do not use personal routers in complexes where Optix has managed WiFi Access Points. We can also assist you in disabling any unnecessary ad-hoc networks like those broadcast by many desktop printers.
Q. Speaking of Printers, why can’t I get mine to work on the Optix WiFi network?
A. Our WiFi networks use a security feature commonly known as AP Isolation. This is in place primarily to prevent infections from spreading from device to device, especially nasty things like *crypto ransomware* which can encrypt files on a computer and ransom the owner for the decryption key and will aggressively spread across a network if able to.
Many wireless printers come with Google Cloud Print as a feature, which in most cases can be used to allow wireless printing as well as remote printing over the internet! Call us and we can help you determine if this is an option for you.
Q. Are there any other services or devices that are impacted by this security feature?
A. This security feature does impact a handful of services – for example, Apple Airplay and Android screencasting do not function. Google Home and Chromecast devices are unable to complete their setup process because of the way they were designed to require communication with the configuring device after initial setup. This setup requirement effects all Google Home and Chromecast products.
Q. Can I use ethernet in my apartment/why isn’t an ethernet port working?
A. This varies from complex to complex. Many complexes do not have wired infrastructure that can support ethernet connectivity, but some do offer this option. We do what we can to help when there is ethernet offered but isn’t working – however since the infrastructure wiring was done prior to us coming in we cannot guarantee that we can get ethernet jacks working. The best option is to CALL US and we can advise you of the options available.