The global phenomenon known as the internet has come into a new era of usage with the introduction of things like social media and online classes, especially on the DU campus. We use the on-campus Wi-Fi for accessing all that is dear to us in life (for many cases it’s Netflix and Snapchat) but for others that means study tools and special programs used for classes. As the new school year begins, the upgraded Wi-Fi hub, DU WiFi, kicks off with a surprisingly well-received start compared to last year. It is working wonderfully on my computer, especially when I’m ‘studying’ at the library.

With the exception of the DU server crashing a few times during Orientation Week (thank you freshmen) I haven’t had a problem accessing my Canvas courses either. I think the only problems are actually with where you are on campus and when there’s too many people trying to access a single part all at once. With the exception of these problems, the new Wi-Fi is easy to connect to and has somewhat strong signals.

“Thus far I haven’t had a problem with it,” said Riley Manifold, a third-year game design major who uses the on-campus Wi-Fi for his studies. “Last year, [the Wi-Fi] was spotty during the beginning of fall quarter and usually passable the rest of the year. I didn’t notice any major problems during the winter and spring quarter, though my phone kept getting the Wi-Fi on and off.”

Manifold represents the students at DU who have found DU WiFi to be a great change on campus. However, Leornard Pollard represents the other side of the situation. “It was of very poor quality,” said Pollard. “It was out for two weeks straight and the system shorted out a lot.”

Alexandria Ackerman said she had some troubles of her own, but that things seem to be running smoothly now.

“As far as getting the internet to connect to my computer, I had some problems, but once I was connected it worked great, and faster than last year,” said Ackerman. “I’d like to have better instruction on how to connect to the internet when it is changed, so I don’t have to go to tech support to have them do it for me.”

Despite the problems some students are reporting, the University Technology Services team seems to be very active in addressing students’ questions and concerns about the Wi-Fi. They will sit down with students personally and work with them on their laptops to ensure that they are connected to the campus Wi-Fi.  UTS was not available for comment on this article, but if you have a problem with your Wi-Fi connection, stop by their office located on the first floor of Anderson Academic Commons. They’ll be happy to help with any problem.

Technology is always evolving and as it does the Wi-Fi will surely improve. Students would like to see stronger connection in the less-traveled parts of campus and maybe an email describing how to connect to the internet at the beginning of the year for new freshmen. It’s too soon to tell if the new Wi-Fi will be more stable than last year, but many are keeping their fingers crossed that it won’t short out when they’re watching season three of “Hemlock Grove”.