<p>At orientation someone mentioned that they thought you need an ethernet cable to access the internet, but I don't know if that's true. Is wifi provided in UCB dorms?</p>
<p>You will need an ethernet cable to access the internet. I think Rescomp has its own wi-fi too.</p>
<p>Rescomp has wifi, but it’s centered around the lounges and you won’t be able to access it unless you live directly next to, above, or below one. Possibly not even “next to,” actually.</p>
<p>You’ll want an ethernet cable.</p>
<p>or set up your own network.</p>
<p>if you have multiple computers or internet dependent devices (e.g. Wifi-enabled phones, iPads/iPods, DSs/PSPs, gaming consoles, etc…) you’d probably want a router to set up your own network in your room, otherwise a long ethernet cable is generally satisfactory for in-room use.</p>
<p>There is wifi reception in some rooms, but I DO NOT recommend it.</p>
<p>If you do not wish to use an Ethernet chord, I strongly recommend purchasing your own router as others in this thread have suggested. People on my floor did that and it worked great.</p>
<p>the cement walls in the units seem to block wireless signals, but of course with your own access point/router in the room that isn’t an issue.</p>
<p>The ethernet ports may be far from where you want your desk. If you don’t set up a wireless router, you might want to bring a long ethernet cable.</p>
<p>I actually managed on rescomp for most of the year… Never set up the Ethernet lol. Got my own router later.</p>
<p>Once you know how RESCOMP actually works, you’ll be afraid to use it as your main internet connection. There’s only a certain amount of capacity that’s physically possible, and the actual loads are a significant portion of that amount. Not to mention, the system is already loaded as-is. You do not want to be the person that has a paper due at 12am, finished at 11:55pm, and then have it late because of connection woes, which you will very likely face.</p>
<p>If you look for the right deals, you can get yourself a Wireless-N router for $20; I got mines for $9 on a black Friday. However, for even better reliability, you can get yourself a 25’ ethernet cable for $5. It’ll reach anywhere within your dorm room; if you’re in the common areas, you can fall back on RESCOMP.</p>
<p>I personally got myself a wireless router, but after a while, I found that I much rather prefer just plugging in the ethernet cable.</p>
<p>but smart phones such as the droid would work in dorms, right?</p>
<p>airbears doesn’t work in the dorms?</p>
<p>Airbears works only on campus grounds.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Only on 3G mode.</p>
<p>Both AirBears and RESCOMP work as captive portals, so to use Wifi mode, it’d be a bit of a challenge.</p>
<p>Also, if you’re thinking about using a smartphone for internet in the dorms – don’t. I made RESCOMP sound really bad, but it’s still much better than what can be provided over 3G.</p>
<p>Just to repeat a lot of what’s already said:
Airbears is only on campus grounds, but it’s pretty easily accessible there (for me, at least, which is around Evans Hall).
Rescomp has free wifi also, but it’s only accessible in the lounges. For example, I live adjacent to my lounge and I can’t get any wifi because the signal is too weak. You’ll definitely want an ethernet cable even if you set up your own router.</p>
<p>^It really depends. I lived in Unit 3 and had rescomp in my room all the time. And it was like 4 rooms from the lounge.</p>
<p>it usually sucks. bring ethernet. it’s 10000000000x faster</p>
<p>flutterfly, I’m sure it was slow and annoying though right? Compared to Ethernet, at least.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips, everyone! Glad I learned more about this before I got to campus. :)</p>
<p>I was in Unit 3 during CalSO and I had access to RESCOMP. It was working fine for me, but obviously it was only two days. I don’t think I was anywhere near a lounge.</p>