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

Student & Employee access

Students, faculty, staff, and emeriti should use the LCSecure or LCWireless networks or a wired connection. College devices are already configured to use these networks, but personal devices need to complete a short registration process. Every device that uses Luther's network or internet connection needs register. This includes computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, etc.

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, on the main floor of Dahl Centennial Union, in the concourse between Valders Hall of Science and Sampson-Hoffland Laboratories (a.k.a. the Link), in the Legends Fitness for Life Center, in the Koren Library, on Main 1st, and in Marty's Cafe on the lower level of Dahl Centennial Union. 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. 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. Devices need to register to use the wired network, meaning that wired connections are only available to students and employees. Most residence halls have ethernet ports in all rooms, except Miller & Dieseth (a.k.a. "Towers"), College Apartments, and college houses.

Q. What is the difference between LCSecure and LCWireless?
A. You should prefer LCSecure when possible, as it offers strong encryption (WPA2 enterprise). LCWireless is for devices that can't use LCSecure, like some gaming consoles and IoT devices. LCWireless isn't inherently unsecure—secure web content is still encrypted—but it lacks the extra security features of LCSecure.