Wired and wireless internet is provided in residence through Connect-IT. Residents have access to reliable wireless service throughout all residence buildings, ideal for phones, tablets and casual laptop use.

For activities requiring a more stable connection—such as academic quizzes or financial transactions—we strongly recommend using the high-speed wired connection.

To help ensure optimal service for all residents, please turn off wireless broadcasting on personal printers, as these signals can interfere with the residence Wi-Fi network. We also recommend using a USB connection instead of wireless printing where possible.

Personal wireless routers are not permitted in residence, as they can also disrupt network performance.

Internet Connection Guide

Download the Internet Connection Guide (2025 PDF) for step-by-step instructions on setting up wired and wireless internet on your devices.

If you experience connection issues and cannot resolve them using the guide, please contact the Connect-IT Hotline at 519-661-4225.

Our Hotline

The Connect-IT Hotline is open during the school year to answer any inquires and to assist you with any issues you may encounter while using our internet services.

If you require our assistance, please contact our Hotline (519-661-4225) or request help here.

Please leave us a detailed message if you are calling outside these times.

Protect Your System in 3 Steps

1. Update Your Operating System

Install all operating system updates before arriving on campus. Enable automatic updates to keep your device protected against the latest security threats.

2. Install Anti-Virus Software

All computers in residence must have up-to-date anti-virus software installed and configured to update automatically each day.

We recommend:

• Trend Micro (supported by WTS and available at a discounted student rate through the Campus Tech Hub)
• AVG Antivirus for Windows
• Avast Antivirus for macOS

To help protect your device:

• Run regular virus scans
• Scan downloaded files before opening them
• Avoid opening suspicious email attachments, even from people you know

3. Turn On Your Firewall

A firewall helps block harmful traffic and protects your computer while connected to the internet.

Ensure your firewall is enabled and properly configured. If you experience connection issues while using a firewall, you may be asked to temporarily disable it for troubleshooting.

For additional computer security tips, visit Microsoft Security’s “Protect your PC” webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Connect-IT?

Connect-IT is the University's internet service provider in Western and Huron residences.

How do I access Connect-IT?

Connect-IT is included in a residence room charge. With access to Connect-IT, users can enjoy our high-speed wired internet connection in their residence bedroom and a convenient wireless service throughout their residence building. More information can be found in our Internet Connection Guide.

Is there University provided wireless in my Residence room?

Yes! Students living in residence can access Connect-IT (our wireless service) in their residence room, as well as in other spaces of residence.

Students can also access uwosecure-v2 (Campus wireless service) in main campus buildings such as the University Community Centre.

For more information, please visit wireless.uwo.ca. 

Can I bring a wireless router?

No. Personal wireless routers broadcast interfering signals continuously and represent a security risk to the Connect-IT internet service. As a result, personal wireless routers are not permitted in residence. If you are having issues with your current wireless connection, please call our hotline 519-661-4225 so that we can explore potential solutions. 

Can I connect a wireless printer to Connect-IT?

Wireless printers are not compatible with the security required by our wireless service. Additionally, signals from wireless printers also interfere with the wireless internet being provided to you and your fellow residents. 

You can still use your printer by turning off the wireless broadcasting and using a USB printer cable.

What type of computer do I need to connect to Connect-IT?

Nearly any computer, tablet or smart phone can connect to our wireless and/or wired service. To ensure you have the best experience in the campus technical environment, we recommend that your device meets these recommended minimum specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD equivalent (PC or Mac)
• Memory (RAM): 6GB
• Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS 11 or higher

We provide full technical support for:

• macOS 11 and above
• Windows 10 and above
• Android Phones and Tablets
• iPhones and iPads
• Chrome OS devices

Please note that distributions of Linux operating systems may not be supported by our staff, but can connect to our services. 

If you have any questions about your device specifications, please contact our Hotline at 519-661-4225 or email us at connect-it@uwo.ca. 

What are the Connect-IT Bandwidth limits?

Connect-IT has no monthly bandwidth limits. Please note that primary purpose of our network service is to support the academic mission of the University. To ensure equal access for all users, we do reserve the right to request that users monopolizing the network resources, reduce their usage. In order to preserve the integrity of the network, we also reserve the right to modify our bandwidth limits policy.

What else do I need to bring?

• Ethernet cable (recommended for wired internet)
  • In order to take advantage of our high-speed wired service, you will need an Ethernet cable. A 15ft Ethernet cable is sufficient (available at residence front desk if you forgot to bring one).
• A USB printer cable
  • Required if bringing a printer (wireless printing is not permitted due to network interference)
• Anti-Virus Software
  • Must be installed and set to update automatically before arriving to residence.
  • Tech Services (located in Dellelce Family Bookstore) offers student pricing on anti-virus software for both Windows and macOS computers.
• Ethernet adapter (if required): For devices without an Ethernet port (USB-A or USB-C)

For a complete list of what to bring to residence, please visit our Move-In Planning Guide.

What if I need help during the year with Connect-IT?

Although you are responsible for getting connected, we have an excellent student support team available to assist with configuration issues. For those who are experiencing connection difficulties, we recommend that they call our Hotline at 519-661-4225 and speak with a customer service representative. 

What is a good network speed?

Worried about your network's speeds? You can run a speed test here: http://speedtest.uwo.pri/ 

Here's what your result means:

• Download speed = how much information your device can receive in one second
• Upload speed = how much information your device can send in one second
• Ping = your device's reaction time, how quickly you receive a response from the network after sending a request

So how much speed do you need to connect?

• Sending a Snapchat requires about 1Mb to upload, your speed will affect how quickly this 1Mb of information leaves your device
• Fortnite recommends 3 Mbsp Download Speed and 0.5 Mbps Upload Speed
• Zoom recommends 4 Mbsp Download Speed and 3.8 Mbps Upload Speed
• YouTube recommends 4 Mbps Download Speed for 1080p streaming
• WhatsApp recommends 5 Mbps Download and Upload Speed for a video call
• Twitch recommends 6–8 Mbps to broadcast a stream
• GTA Online recommends 7.5 Mbps Download Speed and 1Mbps Upload Speed
• Netflix recommends 15 Mbps Download Speed for Ultra HD streaming