FAQ on CityUHK Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

What is a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)?

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a flexible data communication system that uses radio frequency (RF) technology to transmit and receive data over the air. The CityUHK WLAN integrates seamlessly with the University's wired campus network, allowing users to access network services without the need for a physical network port.

What are the advantages of using WLAN?

  • Provides wide wireless network coverage across the campus
  • Enables fully wireless connectivity for laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other Wi‑Fi devices
  • Allows network access in classrooms and common areas where wired network ports are not available
  • Offers network connectivity in locations where conventional cabling is difficult or impractical
  • Supports easy scalability to meet growing user and device demands

What are the limitations of using WLAN?

  • The actual data throughput of WLAN is typically lower than that of a wired Ethernet network
  • Network bandwidth is shared among users connected to the same wireless access point, so performance may vary depending on usage and location

Which OS platforms are compatible with the CityUHK WLAN?

Most modern operating systems that support WPA2/WPA3 security standards or have a web browser installed are compatible with the CityUHK WLAN environment.

Can I access the the CityUHK e-Portal with WLAN?

Yes. CityUHK WLAN allows access to the CityUHK e‑Portal and other University online services.

Where can I use the WLAN?

CityUHK WLAN is available in most indoor and common areas across the campus. Thousands of wireless access points are deployed to provide coverage in:

  • Staff offices
  • Classrooms and lecture theatres
  • Podium levels and common areas
  • Student canteens and study areas
  • Student residences and shared facilities

What equipment is required to access the WLAN?

You may use any Wi‑Fi–enabled device that complies with IEEE 802.11a/b/g, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax), or Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standards. Most modern notebook computers, smartphones, and tablets are already equipped with suitable wireless adapters.

You may visit http://www.cityu.edu.hk/csc/deptweb/facilities/ctnet/wlan/wlan-summary.htm for the configuration guides.

Can students use their own Wi-Fi devices?

Yes. Students may use their own Wi‑Fi devices that comply with IEEE 802.11a/b/g, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax), or Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standards to connect to the CityUHK WLAN.

Can staff use their own Wi-Fi devices?

Yes. Staff members may use personally owned Wi-Fi devices that comply with IEEE 802.11a/b/g, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax), or Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standards to connect to the CityUHK WLAN.

Can alumni use their own Wi-Fi devices?

Yes. CityUHK alumni may use their own Wi‑Fi devices to connect to the wireless network using the "CityU Alumni" SSID.

What is the bandwidth of the CityUHK WLAN?

CityUHK WLAN supports a wide range of IEEE 802.11 standards, offering theoretical maximum speeds of 46 Gbps (Wi-Fi 7), 9.6 Gbps (Wi-Fi 6/6E), 3.47 Gbps (Wi-Fi 5), 300 Mbps (Wi-Fi 4), and legacy rates of 54 Mbps (802.11a/g) or 11 Mbps (802.11b). Just keep in mind that these figures represent peak technical capacity — your actual real-world performance will fluctuate based on your device's hardware, current network traffic, and your proximity to an access point. The service is specifically optimized to provide a reliable experience for essential campus activities, ensuring you stay connected for web browsing, email, online learning, and administrative tasks.

Do I need to log in to use the CityUHK WLAN?

Yes. User authentication is required before connecting to the CityUHK WLAN to ensure network security and proper access control. Please use your Network Connection Password to login.

There are two login methods available: Secure (WPA/WPA2) and Web (Insecure). Which one should I choose?

  • Secure connection (WPA2/WPA3) — Recommended
    We strongly recommend that all users use the WPA2/WPA3 authentication method when connecting to the CityUHK WLAN. Once connected, all wireless data transmissions are encrypted. Even if data is intercepted, it cannot be easily decrypted, ensuring better privacy and data security.
  • Web logon (Insecure)
    The Web logon method is provided primarily for devices that do not support WPA2/WPA3. With this method, only your login credentials are encrypted during authentication. Other data transmitted over the wireless network is not encrypted, making it less secure and not recommended unless necessary.

I cannot log in. How can I solve this problem?

If you are unable to log in to the CityUHK WLAN, please try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Check your password
    Please ensure you are using your network connection password. If you have forgotten your password, visit the IT Service Desk of the CSC to reset it.
  • Account temporarily disabled due to security reasons
    Your WLAN account may be disabled if the network security system detects suspicious activities, such as virus propagation from a device using your account.
    In this case:
    • You will be notified by email.
    • After cleaning your computer, please email csc@cityu.edu.hk to inform CSC.
    • Your account will normally be reactivated within 2 working days after verification.
  • Corrupted or outdated Wi-Fi connection profile
    The saved wireless profile on your device may be corrupted or outdated. Please remove the existing profile and create a new WLAN connection.
  • Outdated operating system or Wi-Fi driver
    Ensure your device is installed with the latest operating system updates and the most recent Wi-Fi adapter drivers.

I am CityUHK alumnus but cannot log in. What should I do?

  • Please visit the Alumni Relations Office (ARO) homepage for information and procedures on resetting your alumni account password.
  • If the problem persists, remove and recreate the wireless connection profile on your device.

I can log in but cannot access the campus network or the Internet. How can I fix this?

Please check the following settings on your device:

  • Network configuration
    WLAN network parameters (IP address, DNS servers, and gateway) are automatically assigned by DHCP servers. Please ensure these settings are not manually configured (hardcoded).
  • Proxy settings
    Remove or disable any proxy settings in your web browser.
  • Personal firewall software
    Temporarily disable any personal firewall software to see if it resolves the issue. If so, review and adjust the firewall policies accordingly.

I can log in on campus, but I cannot log in at some Wi-Fi hotspots. How can I solve this?

  • Recreate the wireless connection profile
    Remove the stored WLAN profile on your device and set it up again.
  • Password length limitation
    Some external Wi-Fi service providers do not support passwords longer than 16 characters. If you are using a long password, consider changing it to a shorter one to resolve the issue.

Do I need to log out after using the WLAN?

The system will automatically terminate your connection if your WLAN device is idle for more than 15 minutes. If you wish to disconnect manually, you may do so via the network connection icon in your system tray.

What is the procedure for using the CityUHK WLAN?

For Staff and Students

  1. Power on your Wi-Fi device and select the appropriate wireless network (SSID).
  2. Log in using WPA2/WPA3 authentication (Recommended) or the Web logon page, depending on the selected SSID.
  3. Once authenticated, you can access the Internet and campus network services.

For Alumni

  1. Power on your Wi-Fi device
  2. Connect to and log in via the "CityU Alumni" wireless network.
  3. You can now access the WLAN service.

For more details, please refer to the CityUHK Wireless LAN Summary page:
https://www.cityu.edu.hk/csc/deptweb/facilities/ctnet/wlan/wlan-summary.htm.

My notebook's WLAN connection speed fluctuates or disconnects intermittently. What should I do?

  • Upgrade your Wi-Fi adapter driver to the latest version. Please contact your device supplier or manufacturer for instructions.
  • If the Wi-Fi signal strength is low, adjust your WLAN adapter settings to maximize transmission power, if supported by your device.

 

IT.ServiceDesk@cityu.edu.hk