Wireless F.A.Q.


Wireless networks at UMass Amherst

My computer lists a lot of wireless networks in my area. Which one do I pick?

Other networks are not supported, and may pose security risks. 

 


 

Network requirements

What do I need in order to connect?

To connect to the UMass Amherst wireless network, you will need:

 

How do I know if my wireless device has a WiFi-certified adapter?

Check the WiFi Alliance's lists of certified devices and adapters or refer to your device's documentation or specifications.

 


 

Wireless for guests

I have a friend visiting UMass Amherst. Can I get them on the wireless network?

All students, faculty, and staff can create sponsored guest accounts for individual guests. Additionally, starting Thursday, November 30, 2023, campus guests will be able to self-register for wireless access with an sms code. Learn more about how to get guests connected 

 

I am running an event and will need wireless access for my guests. What do I do?

UMass Amherst faculty and staff can request a group wireless account for their event by e-mailing the name, date, and sponsor for the event to groupwirelessrequest@it.umass.edu. Only a UMass Amherst faculty or staff member can sponsor a group wireless account. Group wireless accounts can last for 24 hours, 3 days, or 7 days.

We need three business days to process the request properly.

 


 

Network connectivity issues and troubleshooting

I am having trouble connecting to eduroam. What can I do?

Try running the JoinNow setup wizard, our setup wizard again. We periodically update JoinNow to stay current with the latest improvements and security updates from our software vendor; you may have also installed a new operating system on your computer. In most cases, running JoinNow again should be your first troubleshooting step.

 

Can I install my own wireless access point?

No. In accordance with our Wireless Airspace Policy, interfering wireless access points, i.e., access points not managed by UMass Amherst IT, will be disabled. These access points pose serious security risks and slow down the entire network.

 

Can I use both a wireless and an Ethernet connection at the same time?

No. Also known as Network Bridging, opening multiple connections to the campus network may interfere with network stability and your wireless reception. If your computer has both wired and wireless capability, make sure it is not configured for network bridging (or Internet Connection Sharing). Remember that you can use only one connection at a time. Ethernet jacks on campus are set up to automatically shut off once they detect network bridging. Learn how to disable multiple network connections and turn off network bridging.

 

Do I need to know what channel I am on?

No. Your wireless card automatically detects the channels available in your area and selects the channel that provides the best wireless reception. Note: You cannot manually select or change wireless channels when using the campus wireless network.

 

I'm connected to the network, but my software says I don't have an Internet connection. Why?

You need to log in to the campus wireless network through a Web browser (UMASS) or have set up your eduroam connection before you can access the Internet or use non-browser software, including email clients (e.g., Outlook or Apple Mail) and SFTP programs (e.g., WinSCP).