Network

Luther’s network is the invisible backbone of all our IT services: It gives access to the wider internet, is easily accessible from almost anywhere on campus, shields users from many cyber threats, and more.

Network access

Students, employees, emeriti, and visitors can all use Luther’s network. The LCGuest wireless network and public access devices are available for visitors, while students, employees, and emeriti will want to register their devices for full, uninterrupted access.

Student access

Students should use the LC-Personal-Primary or LC-Personal-Other wireless networks or a wired connection. LC-Personal-Primary is for computers, phones, and tablets and LC-Person-Other is for every other wireless device. Regardless of which network the device uses, each device needs to complete a short registration process. Wired network access is available upon request in most residence halls by contacting the Technology Help Desk.

Employee and Emeriti access

On Luther-owned workstations, Employees should use the LC-Luther-Workstation wireless network or the lc.luther.edu wired connection in office spaces. The LC-Personal-Primary network is for personal phones, computers, or tablets, and the LC-Personal-Other wireless network is for every other kind of wireless device. Luther-owned workstations are already configured to use LC-Luther-Workstation, but personal devices need to complete a short registration process.

Guest access

Visitors can use the LCGuest wireless network from their own devices without needing to register the device. To access LCGuest, connect your device to the LCGuest network and then try to visit any webpage from a web browser—you’ll immediately be prompted to review and accept some terms of use, but that’s it! LCGuest isn’t throttled, but does prevent access to peer-to-peer services and some campus systems like printing and academic journals. LCGuest access expires every 12 hours.

Visitors can also use several public access computers. Public access computers are located on the main floor of Preus Library. Public printing is available from the public access computers in Preus Library and from the Document Center in the Main building.

Policies

As an academic institution, we value access to information, and also value the law. By using our network, you are consenting to our Acceptable Use policy and a number of other policies, including our File Sharing policy and our Electronic Harassment/Social Network policy. Traffic is not anonymous, and ITS will comply with law enforcement requests.

FAQ

Q. Where is LCSecure and LCWireless?
LCSecure and LCWireless are being phased over out in late-August/early-September 2024. If you’re in a part of campus where you can still see them, then feel free to use them, but you should move to the new wireless networks as soon as possible.

Q. Why are there new wireless networks?
A. The new networks have several advantages: They don’t break when you reset your password, it’s easier to register devices like TVs and gaming consoles, they’re more secure, and you should only need to register each device once over your entire time at Luther. They do connect differently than the old networks though—you can’t just select them from your list of visible wifi networks—you need to complete registration before you connect.

Q. Will my device work with Luther’s network?
A. Very likely—Modern devices are rarely incompatible. For best results, we strongly recommend devices with 5hz antennas, i.e. 802.11N , 802.11AX , or AC standards . Devices with 2.4 Ghz antennas will still work, but may have trouble in areas with lots of other devices present, like residence halls. That said, sometimes devices with the right antenna don’t work properly on our network because of other design choices by the manufacturer. We also don’t permit devices to project their own network.

Q. How many devices can I connect to the network?
A. As many as you like. We don’t have a limit.

Q. How do wired devices work? Will I have an ethernet port in my room?
A. For students, wired network access is available upon request in most residence halls by contacting the Technology Help Desk, except in Miller & Dieseth (a.k.a. “Towers”), College Apartments, and college houses. Students need to register their device in order to use the wired network.

For employees, wired network access is typically available on Luther workstations without needing to register or request access, though you might need to register if you’re using an ethernet adapter rather than an ethernet port directly on the workstation. All academic and administrative buildings have wired ports, though those ports might be disabled if they haven’t been used lately. The Technology Help Desk can help employees who need an ethernet cable, an ethernet adapter, or suspect that the ethernet port in their workspace has been disabled