By Michael Canfield
IT Communication Specialist

UB’s Wi-Fi network is built on a system of access points (APs) distributed across campus. These APs connect devices to the university’s network, routing data through switches, controllers, routers, and firewalls before reaching the broader internet, according to Adam Zangerle, network engineer with UBIT Network and Communication Services.

“Whether an individual connects via eduroam or UB Secure, their device communicates with the same physical access points, travels through the same network hardware, and experiences identical performance,” Adam said. 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the name of a network somehow influences its speed or reliability, Zangerle said. The name of a Wi-Fi network is merely a label—it does not determine the underlying performance of the connection. In fact, UB could have named the network anything, from "UB Secure" to "Buffalo Bills Super Bowl," and it wouldn’t affect how data flows.

Some campus members have reported that eduroam “feels slower” than UB Secure, said Richard Letts, Assistant VP/Executive Director of UBIT Network and Communication Services. 

“Technically, this is impossible,” he said. “Both networks utilize the same APs, switches, controllers, and firewalls, there is no difference in how packets travel across the network. After authentication, eduroam performs exactly the same as UB Secure.”

Individuals who have grown accustomed to the name “UB Secure” might hesitate to connect to eduroam, even though it offers the same experience, Zangerle said.  

“It’s hard to get around that urban legend,” he said.

UB Secure will be retired on May 19, 2025. If you're still using UB Secure, you'll want to set up your device to use eduroam instead. It only takes a few minutes and can be done on or off campus. Instructions are online. 

eduroam is UB’s official, secure, and preferred Wi-Fi connection. It’s also available at thousands of other campuses worldwide so, if you travel to another location that has eduroam Wi-Fi, your devices will automatically connect.

 When you set up your devices to connect to eduroam Wi-Fi once, you will automatically stay connected on campus for the next five years. There’s no need to worry about constantly having to connect every time you need Wi-Fi in a hurry at UB. 

The UBIT Help Center is here to help with your technology needs at UB. Students can also reach out to the UB Tech Squad for help; they can meet you anywhere on North or South Campus.