469
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by mat@linux.community to c/technology@lemmy.world

I just moved into a student dorm for a semester abroad, and beforehand I emailed them asking whether they had ethernet ports to plug my router into (I use it to connect all my devices, and for WiVRn VR streaming). They confirmed that I could, but now that I'm here the wifi login portal is asking me to accept these terms from the ISP, which forbid plugging in a router. There's another clause that forbids "Disruptive Devices" entirely, defined as:

“Disruptive Device” means any device that prevents or interferes with our provision of the 4Wireless to other customers (such as a wireless access point such as wireless routers) or any other device used by you in breach of the Acceptable Use Policy;

So what are my options? I don't think I can use this service without accepting the terms, but also I was told by the student dorm support that I could bring a router, which contradicts this.

EDIT: some additional context:

  • dorm provider is a company separate from my uni (they have an agreement but that's it)
  • ISP (ask4) is totally separate from dorm provider, and have installed a mesh network that requires an account. On account creation, there are many upsells including one for connecting more than one device. The "free" plan only allows me to sign in on a single device, and I can upgrade to two devices for 15 pounds.
  • ethernet requires login too
  • VR streaming requires a high performance wifi 6 network, which is why I bought this router (Archer C6 from tp-link)
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] AbidanYre@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

They do know enough to not send DHCP leases upstream..

[-] flappy@lemm.ee 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

If you plug the dorm ethernet jack into the LAN side of a consumer router, there's a chance they don't.

Sure, you can catch this if you watch the dhcp leases your router is handing out, but..

[-] AbidanYre@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

I'm assuming OP is at least smart enough to know that the port that's on its own/a different color/somehow different from the others is the one that goes into the wall. It sounds like they have at least that level of competence.

[-] Confused_Emus@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I’m sure OP is given the more technical nature of Lemmy users. But this thread is about the average college student with no networking knowledge.

ETA: Sorry that I specified you weren’t talking about the same thing the rest of us were in this thread.

[-] Confused_Emus@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Which is all well and good until you get someone who plugs both connections into the LAN ports.

Downvoting just because I pointed out a scenario you didn’t think of isn’t so classy.

[-] AbidanYre@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

No. I'm downvoting because your first comments stated it will happen if the router is set up to offer leases. Not that it could happen if a user ignores the quick start guide that says "plug this port into the wall." Then got all pissy with that other guy who pointed out that your article was about DHCP servers, not routers.

[-] Confused_Emus@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 week ago

I’m not getting pissy about anything. That’s projection on your part, reading a tone that wasn’t there. Just because you’re in a bad mood today doesn’t mean the rest of the internet is.

this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2024
469 points (92.6% liked)

Technology

58062 readers
3080 users here now

This is a most excellent place for technology news and articles.


Our Rules


  1. Follow the lemmy.world rules.
  2. Only tech related content.
  3. Be excellent to each another!
  4. Mod approved content bots can post up to 10 articles per day.
  5. Threads asking for personal tech support may be deleted.
  6. Politics threads may be removed.
  7. No memes allowed as posts, OK to post as comments.
  8. Only approved bots from the list below, to ask if your bot can be added please contact us.
  9. Check for duplicates before posting, duplicates may be removed

Approved Bots


founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS