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.

  • AreaKode@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    5 months ago

    Assuming they have their own wifi, they just don’t want you using wifi off of your own router. A wired connection should be fine.

    • mat@linux.communityOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      5 months ago

      Unfortunately, connecting to the ethernet port still prompts me to log into the network (make an account and accept these terms)

      • BakedCatboy@lemmy.ml
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        0
        ·
        5 months ago

        I would just accept the terms and disable wifi, or if you don’t want to double nat just use a switch and accept the terms / login on every device connected to the switch.

          • mat@linux.communityOP
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            0
            ·
            5 months ago

            Would that work even if the T&Cs are for a third party (the ISP), while the correspondence is with my dorm provider (not legally related to my uni, they just have a partnership)?

            • witty_username@feddit.nl
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              0
              ·
              5 months ago

              Probably not. But there is a good chance that they won’t notice at all. If they do, you can always take it down.
              Maybe use an inconspicuous ssid? Like a similar name to a company or institute nearby

              • pivot_root@lemmy.world
                link
                fedilink
                English
                arrow-up
                0
                ·
                5 months ago

                Turn off SSID broadcasting entirely. Hidden networks require more technical expertise to discover than most people have.

                The ISP techs will still be able to find it, but there’s little reason for them to go looking when nothing seems out of the ordinary.