How to Register Unsupported Devices on eduroam

Eduroam provides secure, high-speed wireless access across campus and at participating institutions worldwide. It relies on 802.1x authentication (also known as WPA2/3-Enterprise), which requires devices to support advanced security protocols and user credentials. Many consumer devices, such as IoT (Internet of Things) gadgets, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other “headless” or limited-interface hardware, lack this capability and cannot connect directly to eduroam.

To ensure these devices can still access the network safely, Liberty offers a streamlined registration process for an alternative SSID (e.g., “University-Devices” or similar, depending on your location). This uses MAC address authentication, allowing whitelisted devices to connect without full 802.1x support. Please note that this network may have limitations, such as reduced speeds, restricted access to certain resources, or time-based expirations for security reasons.

Supported Device Types for Registration

This process is designed for devices that do not support 802.1x supplicants. Common examples include:

  • Gaming Consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc
  • Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, etc
  • IoT and Smart Home Devices: Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Nest, smart bulbs, thermostats, printers, etc
  • Other Appliances: Some refrigerators, security cameras, or fitness trackers with Wi-Fi

If your device supports 802.1x (e.g., most modern laptops, smartphones, and tablets), connect it directly to eduroam instead for optimal performance. For a full list of compatible devices or to check compatibility, visit our Wireless Network page.

Requirements

  • You must be a current student, faculty, or staff member with active university credentials
  • Know your device’s MAC address (physical hardware address), this is usually found in the device’s settings menu, on the packaging, or via the manufacturer’s app/support site
  • Access to a computer or mobile device already connected to the network to complete registration
  • Devices must support at least Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) or higher; older standards (e.g., 802.11b) are not compatible

Get Connected

Step-by-Step Registration Process

To get your devices connected, please review the training video and document or follow the steps outlined below:

Training Document
  1. Log In to the Registration Portal: Visit onboard.liberty.edu using a connected device. Sign in with your university username and password.
  2. Enter Device Details: Provide your device’s MAC address, a descriptive name (e.g., “My Xbox”), and select the device type from the dropdown menu if available.
  3. Submit and Verify: Review your entry and submit. Approval is typically automatic and takes effect within 5-15 minutes.
  4. Connect Your Device: On your device, select the alternative SSID (e.g., “University-Devices”) and connect. No password is required once registered, but you may need to accept terms or enter a simple passphrase if prompted.
  5. Test Connectivity: Power cycle your device if needed, then test internet access. If issues persist, ensure the MAC address was entered correctly (use all uppercase letters, separated by colons, e.g., AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF).

Registrations may expire after a set period (e.g., one academic year) and require renewal.

Limitations and Best Practices

  • Security and Performance: The alternative network prioritizes basic connectivity over speed and may not support high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming or large downloads as effectively as eduroam. Use wired Ethernet where possible for gaming or media devices.
  • Network Restrictions: Access to some internal university resources (e.g., printers, file shares) may be limited. External internet is fully available.
  • Troubleshooting Tips:
    • Double-check your MAC address—common errors include typos or using the wrong interface (e.g., wired vs. wireless).
    • If your device doesn’t appear in the list, it may still work—contact support for assistance.
  • Policy Compliance: Registered devices must adhere to the university’s Acceptable Use Policy. Misuse may result in the revocation of access.

For help finding your MAC address or troubleshooting, please refer to our Device-Specific Guides or contact the IT HelpDesk.