NMU’s Educational Access Initiative

Educational Access Network Technical Specifications

In order to get the most out of your Educational Access Network membership, you need a secure, reliable, internet connection with unlimited data. One of the choices you will need to make when enrolling is whether to use your current internet connection or select to use the NMU LTE network with your enrollment for your internet connection. The NMU LTE, where available, connects you to Northern’s broadband network via three ways: on-campus wired and WiFi, off campus LTE (all networks come with unlimited data). If you are using your own internet connection, it should have a minimum speed of 1.5 megabits down and .5 megabits up and unlimited data is recommended. (If you are a Northern student who is taking tuition-based, for-credit courses — whether online or on-campus — you are already receiving the NMU LTE network as part of your tuition and fees.)

Getting Started – WiFi or LTE Device?

Does your laptop, tablet or phone use WiFi or LTE to access wireless networks? You can access the NMU network using a WiFi-enabled device when you are on the NMU campus in Marquette. If you are away from campus, you will need an LTE-enabled device to gain access to the NMU LTE network. If you are using your own LTE-enabled device – laptop, tablet, MiFi, phone – it must support Band 7 FDD LTE. Beyond that, you will need to obtain an NMU SIM card, which you can do by contacting us at [email protected] or 888-458-8668. Once you have the SIM card and have installed it into your device, you will need to program the device to use the “nmuean APN” option with no user name or password. If you do not already own an LTE-enabled device, NMU offers you the option to rent or purchase one. The rental is $30 for semi-annual and $60 for annual enrollments. Purchase prices vary depending on the device.

Impact of Obstructions on the Network off Campus

It is important to note that off campus the NMU LTE network is a best-effort service constructed with carrier-grade wireless equipment. It is very reliable, but it is not a commercial network. NMU LTE service provides unlimited access to NMU’s campus network where available. Wireless LTE coverage, including that provided by Northern, can be blocked by natural obstructions, such as hills, rock bluffs and trees, as well as man-made obstructions, including buildings, travel trailers and types of building construction using low-e glass.

Choosing Your Access Device

When deciding on the device that you will use with the NMU LTE network, the best rule of thumb is that outdoor units will always provide the best service, but they require running cat5 or cat6 outdoor wiring and a user-supplied WiFi router. The indoor unit is second-best for reception and, like other LTE devices, is easier to install as it just needs to be plugged into a power outlet located in the home where the device can obtain the strongest signal. If you have strong wireless reception in your home, then portable LTE devices such as laptops, MiFi and tablets can be used in the home and anywhere else away from home within the NMU LTE coverage area.

Connections and Speeds

Based on the address you provide during enrollment, Northern can help you determine what type of devices to use to connect to the NMU LTE network, if needed. Our recommendations assume you have no natural or man-made obstructions for wireless connections to the NMU LTE. The better the device’s antenna and reception, the more reliable the network connection will be. The NMU-LTE connection speeds are 1Gbit wired, 100Mbps+ 802.11ac, 15Mbps DL – 5Mbps UL LTE.

Monthly Cost
Download
Upload

$19.95
10 meg
1-5 meg

$24.95
15 meg
1-5 meg

$34.95
25 meg
1-5 meg

Responsible Use of the NMU Educational Access Network

NMU Online students, including those in enrolled in the Educational Access Network, are subject to the same network-access rules as full- or part-time on-campus students and are subject to NMU’s Early Detection Copyright Violation System and acceptable use policy.