WIFI – Castleton Information & Educational Technology

Connect to the Wireless Network

Published on June 4, 2018 by Matt Corriere

Castleton University has wireless throughout campus. There are multiple networks throughout campus that a smart device will see. Here is a walk through to which one you should connect to

CU-Community:

All current VSC students, faculty, and staff, can connect to CU-Community using their current Portal username and password.

Macintosh Laptops, iPhones, and iPads:

Connect using your Portal username and password. If your iPhone or iPad prompts you that our certificate is not trusted, you can select Trust at the top right. Your MacBook will prompt you to accept the certificate. Select Connect, and then enter your current MacBook password.

Mac OS Example:

iPhone / iPad Example:

Trust the certificate:

Android & Chromebook:

Most Android and Chromebook models do not detect the following settings automatically. Please enter the following information:

Phase 2 Authentication: MSCHAP V2

CA Certificate: “Unspecified”, or select “Do Not Validate” if that is an option

Identity: Portal Username

Anonymous Identity: Leave blank

Password: Current Portal Password

CU-Guest:

Castleton University offers temporary access to Guests of the campus. After connecting to the CU-Guest network, you should be directed to our network registration server or you can launch a browser and go to https://netreg.castleton.edu – look for the link regarding guest access. Entering a valid email address will provide access for one day. If you need to extend it to two weeks, follow the link that is sent to the email address you provided.

Note: The email you entered will not be shared with any other service.

Supported & Unsupported WIFI devices on Castleton University Wireless network

Published on January 12, 2018January 12, 2018 by Jonathan Czar

Many devices that easily work on a home wireless network will not connect to the enterprise wireless system that Castleton and most universities use. This is because the manufacturers of these devices try to save money by not including support for a network that requires both a username and a password, they typically only support a shared password network. We require a username and password for advanced network security to protect your data. Here is an incomplete list of devices that will NOT work on the CU-Community WIFI network:

Amazon Echo and similar
Chromecast
Firestick
Roku with WIFI only
Xbox, Playstation, Wii & most other game consoles
Wireless Printers

The good news is Xbox and PS both include a wired ethernet port and will work on the wired network – you will need to register the mac address of the wired ethernet card, but this connection is preferable for latency purposes, anyway. There is a Roku model (The “Premiere+”, retail approx. $55) that has a wired ethernet port – this is what we recommend for that type of device. Apple TV also includes a wired ethernet port. The Wii can use a USB-Ethernet adapter to connect to the wired network. However, we recommend you contact us BEFORE you purchase because not all USB-Ethernet devices are supported. Manual registration of game consoles and other devices that do not have a browser can be done at the link https://netreg.castleton.edu/manualreg.html

If you’re wondering about a device not listed, check the documentation to see if it supports 802.1x authentication, also known as “WPA2 Enterprise”. As always, you can contact IT Services at 802-468-1221 for help in determining whether the device will work on our network, preferably before you purchase.

Why can’t I connect to CU-Community WIFI?

Published on June 26, 2015January 12, 2018 by Jonathan Czar

We get asked this question a lot and I will admit, a lot has to go right for a successful connection. Let me begin by saying this is the standard method for wireless networking you will find at most colleges and universities. We’re not Starbucks. The CU-Community WIFI uses an encryption method based on your own username and password (this is called 802.1x authentication, if you want to impress your geek friends). With no two of those alike, you’re protected from other students “watching” your traffic with a packet sniffer. On your home network, you probably have a shared password with your family – this protects you from outsiders, but not from others on the network with that same password. Sure, I realize Mom, Dad, and your sister aren’t much of a threat to snoop your traffic (I could see your little brother being nosy, though). In any case, Castleton IT is committed to providing you the most secure connection possible. Now for the problem; your device has to recognize and support it. This is more difficult than you would imagine. Apple is famous for not testing 802.1x in many versions of OS X and even if it’s working, it could end up breaking with the next update you get from them. That has happened so many times we’ve lost count. Changing your password is problematic if you save your credentials and your device continues to try using the old one. There’s just too much complexity in the connection to list everything that might be causing you issues. But I promise you this; if you’re having troubles, bring your device to us and I’ll bet we can figure out what’s causing the problem.

WIFI on Android

Published on June 15, 2015June 15, 2015 by Jonathan Czar

Certain versions of the Android OS are unable to automatically detect the encryption settings for the CSC-Community network. The key settings are “PEAP” for the EAP method and “MSCHAPv2” for the phase 2 authentication. Those settings along with your correct username (identity) and password should make a connection.