Hey there, future Northwestern Wi-Fi wizard! Are you ready to unlock the magic of eduroam and experience seamless internet across campus and beyond? Connecting to eduroam at Northwestern University is a breeze once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from initial setup to troubleshooting common issues. Let's get you connected!
Connecting to Eduroam at Northwestern University: A Step-by-Step Guide
Eduroam (education roaming) is a secure, worldwide federated network service developed for the international research and education community. This means that once you set it up at Northwestern, you can use your Northwestern credentials to connect to eduroam at any participating institution globally! Pretty cool, right?
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials (And Let's Get Started!)
Before we dive into the technicalities, let's make sure you have the key ingredients for a smooth connection.
Your Northwestern NetID: This is your primary Northwestern username, often the first part of your Northwestern email address (e.g.,
abc123).Your NetID Password: The password associated with your Northwestern NetID.
Your Device: Whether it's a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, ensure it has Wi-Fi enabled.
Proximity to Campus: While you can set up eduroam before arriving on campus, it's ideal to be within range of a Northwestern Wi-Fi access point for the initial connection.
Ready? Let's roll!
Step 2: The Initial Connection – Your Device's First Encounter with Eduroam
This step covers the most common and often the simplest way to connect.
2.1 Locating and Selecting Eduroam
On your device, enable Wi-Fi. This is usually done through your device's settings, control panel, or quick settings menu.
Scan for available Wi-Fi networks. You should see a list of networks in your area.
Look for "eduroam" in the list of available networks and select it.
2.2 Entering Your Northwestern Credentials
Once you select eduroam, your device will prompt you for login information.
Username: Enter your full Northwestern NetID followed by "@northwestern.edu".
For example, if your NetID is
abc123, you would enterabc123@northwestern.edu.Important Note: This is your NetID as a username for eduroam, not necessarily your full Northwestern email address, though they often look similar.
Password: Enter your current NetID password.
Your device should now attempt to connect. If it connects successfully, you're all set! Enjoy the internet!
Step 3: Manual Configuration and Advanced Settings (When Automatic Fails)
Sometimes, the automatic connection process might not work perfectly, especially on certain operating systems or if you've previously connected to eduroam at another institution. Don't worry, we've got you covered with manual steps.
3.1 Forgetting Previous Eduroam Profiles
If you've connected to eduroam at another university, your device might be trying to use those old settings, causing a conflict. It's best to "forget" any previous eduroam networks.
Windows:
Click the Network icon (Wi-Fi symbol) in the lower right corner of your screen.
Select "Network & Internet settings" (Windows 10) or "Network & internet" then "Wi-Fi" (Windows 11).
Click "Manage known networks."
Find "eduroam" in the list, click on it, and then click "Forget."
macOS / iOS:
Go to Settings (iOS) or System Settings/Preferences (macOS).
Navigate to Wi-Fi.
Find "eduroam" and look for an "i" icon (iOS) or "Advanced" (macOS) next to it.
Select "Forget This Network" (iOS) or remove it from your preferred networks (macOS). You might also need to check "Profiles" under "General" (iOS) or "Privacy & Security" (macOS) to remove any old eduroam configuration profiles.
Android:
Go to Settings.
Tap Network & internet > Internet (or Wi-Fi).
Tap the gear icon next to "eduroam" then tap "Forget."
After forgetting, restart your device and try connecting again using Step 2. If it still doesn't work, proceed to the specific manual configurations below.
3.2 Operating System Specific Manual Configuration
While Northwestern's system is designed for automatic connection, some devices might require specific settings.
3.2.1 Windows Manual Configuration
If automatic connection fails, you might need to configure it manually.
Open the Control Panel, then click Network and Sharing Center (under Network and Internet).
Select "Set up a new connection or network."
Select "Manually connect to a wireless network."
Enter the following:
Network name: eduroam
Security type: WPA2-Enterprise
Encryption type: AES
Click Next, then select "Change connection settings."
Click the Security tab.
Under "Network Authentication Method," select "Protected EAP (PEAP)."
Uncheck "Remember my credentials."
Click Settings.
From the "Protected EAP Properties" window:
Select both the Trusted Root Certification Authorities: AAA Certificate Services and USERTrust RSA Certification Authority.
Check "Verify the server's identity by validating the certificate."
Select Authentication Method: "Secured Password (EAP-MSCHAP v2)."
Click Configure.
Uncheck "Automatically use my Windows Logon name and password (and domain if any)," then click OK.
Select the Advanced settings in the "Northwestern Wireless Network Properties" window.
In the "Advanced settings" window:
Check "Specify authentication mode."
Select "User authentication" from the drop-down menu.
Select "Save credentials."
In the "Windows Security" window, enter you
r NetID@northwestern.eduas the Username and your NetID password as the Password, then click OK.
3.2.2 macOS Manual Configuration (If Needed)
Typically, macOS devices will connect automatically. If not, try these steps:
Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > Network > Wi-Fi.
Click Advanced...
In the Wi-Fi tab, select eduroam from the list of Preferred Networks, then click the plus sign (+) if it's not there, or select it and ensure settings are correct.
EAP Type:
PEAPPhase 2 Authentication:
MSCHAPv2Authentication:
UsernameandPasswordEnter your
NetID@northwestern.edufor the username and your NetID password.You may be prompted to accept a certificate. Always accept certificates from trusted sources.
3.2.3 iOS (iPhone/iPad) Manual Configuration
For iOS, the automatic connection usually works, but if issues arise, or you are prompted for more details:
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
Tap on "eduroam".
Enter your
NetID@northwestern.eduas the username and your NetID password.When prompted to accept a certificate, ensure it's a valid Northwestern certificate and Trust it.
3.2.4 Android Manual Configuration
Android devices can sometimes be a bit more varied in their Wi-Fi settings.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Tap on "eduroam".
You may see fields for:
EAP method: Select
PEAPPhase 2 authentication: Select
MSCHAPv2CA certificate: Select
Do not validate(orUse system certificatesif prompted and you trust them, orInstall certificateif provided by Northwestern IT)Identity: Enter
NetID@northwestern.eduAnonymous identity: You can leave this blank or re-enter
NetID@northwestern.eduPassword: Enter your NetID password
Domain (if present):
northwestern.edu(orad.northwestern.eduif specified by IT)
Tap Connect.
Step 4: Verifying Your Connection and Testing
Once you've completed the connection steps, it's time to confirm you're online!
Check your device's Wi-Fi icon. It should show a strong connection to "eduroam."
Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.) and try navigating to a website (e.g.,
www.northwestern.edu).If the page loads, congratulations, you're connected!
Step 5: Maintaining Your Connection & Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes things go awry. Here are some common troubleshooting steps and tips to keep your eduroam connection stable.
5.1 Common Troubleshooting Steps
Restart Your Device: A classic but often effective solution. A simple reboot can resolve many minor network glitches.
Forget and Reconnect: As mentioned in Step 3.1, removing the eduroam network from your known networks and then reconnecting often clears up persistent issues, especially after a password change.
Update Your Operating System/Drivers: Ensure your device's operating system and Wi-Fi drivers are up to date. Outdated software can lead to connectivity problems.
Check Your Credentials: Double-check that you are entering your
NetID@northwestern.eduand your NetID password correctly. A common mistake is forgetting the@northwestern.edupart.Try a Different Location: While less common on campus, sometimes specific access points can have temporary issues. Moving to a different building or even a different spot in the same room might help.
Clear Security Certificates (Android/Windows): In some cases, corrupt or old certificates can prevent connection. You can usually find an option to "Clear credentials" or "Manage certificates" in your device's security or network settings.
5.2 Specific Situations
NetID Password Change: If you change your NetID password, your device will likely lose connection to eduroam. You'll need to update the saved password in your Wi-Fi settings or forget the network and reconnect.
Guest Access: For visitors to Northwestern who are not affiliated with an eduroam-participating institution, Northwestern offers a "Guest-Northwestern" wireless network. This is generally for short-term access and requires registration. It's unsecured and not recommended for sensitive information.
Non-Standard Devices: Devices like wireless printers, game consoles, and smart TVs are not generally compatible with eduroam due to its security protocols. For these, Northwestern typically provides a "Device-Northwestern" network that requires separate registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions you might have about connecting to eduroam at Northwestern:
How to check if my device is compatible with eduroam?
Most modern laptops, smartphones, and tablets running current operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, many Linux distributions) are compatible with eduroam. Older devices or specific IoT devices (like smart home gadgets) might not be.
How to find my Northwestern NetID and password?
Your NetID is typically provided to you upon affiliation with Northwestern. If you've forgotten your NetID or need to reset your password, visit Northwestern IT's account management portal or contact the IT Support Center.
How to connect to eduroam if I'm a visitor from another university?
If your home institution participates in eduroam, you should be able to connect to Northwestern's eduroam using your home institution's credentials (e.g., yourusername@youruniversity.edu and your university password).
How to troubleshoot "Unable to connect to the network" errors on Windows?
Often, this error indicates a saved incorrect password. Go to your Wi-Fi settings, manage known networks, forget "eduroam," and then reconnect, ensuring you enter your NetID@northwestern.edu and password accurately.
How to renew my DHCP lease on macOS if I'm having trouble connecting?
Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > Network. Select Wi-Fi in the left pane, click "Advanced...", then go to the "TCP/IP" tab and click "Renew DHCP Lease."
How to get help if I'm still unable to connect to eduroam?
If you've followed all the steps and are still experiencing issues, contact the Northwestern IT Support Center. They can provide personalized assistance and troubleshoot specific device or account problems.
How to ensure my connection is secure on eduroam?
Eduroam uses enterprise-grade security protocols (WPA2-Enterprise with PEAP/MSCHAPv2). Always ensure you're connecting to the legitimate "eduroam" SSID and accepting certificates from trusted sources (Northwestern University).
How to connect game consoles or smart TVs to the internet at Northwestern?
These devices are typically not compatible with eduroam. Northwestern usually provides a separate network, such as "Device-Northwestern," for registering and connecting such devices. Check Northwestern IT's website for specific instructions.
How to update my eduroam credentials after a NetID password change?
You will need to go into your device's Wi-Fi settings, find the "eduroam" network, and update the saved password. Alternatively, you can "forget" the network and then reconnect from scratch.
How to connect to Wi-Fi if I'm a short-term visitor or guest without a Northwestern NetID or eduroam affiliation?
For guests, Northwestern offers the "Guest-Northwestern" wireless network. You'll need to select this network and follow the prompts to register for temporary access. Note that this network is unsecured and may have limited bandwidth and access to university resources.
