UMass Boston

Wifi

The Wifi network at UMass Boston is titled "eduroam"!

• Eduroam Instructions

• Eduroam Troubleshooting

Get Wifi Help

eduroam Instructions

Mac, iPhone, or iPad

  • Select the "eduroam" network and log in with your full UMass Boston email address and password.
  • Accept the certificate from UMass Boston eduroam server, which should end with "umb.edu."

Windows

  • Download our eduroam auto-configurator for Windows
  • Unzip and double click the bat file
  • Select the eduroam network and authenticate with your full UMass Boston email address and password. 
  • If the auto-configurator doesn't work, try adding the network manually using these settings:
    • Network name: eduroam 
    • Security type: WPA2-Enterprise AES 
    • EAP method: Protected EAP (PEAP) 
    • Authentication method: Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2) 
    • Uncheck "Connect automatically".  
    • Uncheck "Connect even if this network is not broadcasting". 

Chromebooks, Android, and Linux

  • Connect to the eduroam network using the following settings: 
  • EAP Method: PEAP
  • EAP Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPv2
  • Domain: umb.edu
  • Server CA certificate: "Do not check", leave the rest of the fields blank
  • In Identity, enter your UMass Boston email address without @umb.edu, and enter your password below. (note: older versions of android may require you to enter your full UMass Boston email address, including the @umb.edu)
  • For newer Android models, CA certificates should be set to Use System certificates.

Troubleshooting Wifi Issues

Sometimes you might have trouble connecting to wifi for a variety of reasons. Read on to learn some ways to fix this.

Turn it off and on again

Turning your wifi setting off and on again refreshes your connection and forces your device to reconnect to the nearest antenna.

"Forget" eduroam

To go an extra step, you can have your device forget everything it knows about the eduroam network and then give it a fresh start from scratch. This is especially needed if you used eduroam at other institutions before coming to UMass Boston.

  • iPhone or iPad: Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the "i" icon next to eduroam > Forget This Network | More Information
  • Android: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > tap the gear icon next to eduroam > Forget | More Information
  • Mac: System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced > eduroam > click the "-" button | More Information
  • Windows: Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > eduroam > Forget | More Information

Once you've forgotten the eduroam network, use the instructions at the top of this page to reconnect.

Older Devices

We have noticed that older devices have more trouble connecting to eduroam, or maintaining a consistent connection. It's possible that IT staff can help you further than the information listed on this page if you contact the IT Service Desk. In particular, all versions of MacOS before 10.13 High Sierra are incompatible with eduroam wifi due to older versions not supporting TLS 1.2. The only solution is upgrading to MacOS 10.13 or higher.

An alternate option if you need a newer device to use our Chromebook Loaner Program to borrow a Chromebook laptop for the whole semester. 

Check your Browser

We have noticed that some browsers have a harder time than others. Folks have had problems with Safari and Edge which were resolved by switching to Chrome or Firefox. Also, make sure your browser is updated with the instructions below:

Update Chrome

Update Firefox

"Forget" UMB-Guest

The "UMB-Guest" network on campus is for users without a UMass Boston account. It is less secure, less fast, and less full-featured than the main eduroam network. If you use UMB-Guest, or have ever used it in the past, to help your experience on eduroam it's advised to perform the "Forget" steps above on the UMB-Guest network settings that may have been saved on your device.

Custom DNS

UMass Boston wifi will not work if you use a custom DNS server, such as 8.8.8.8 (Google). Your network settings must be set to obtain the DNS server automatically.

Personal Wi-Fi Networks Create Interference for Others!

Please only use the official UMass Boston wifi network eduroam. Personal wifi networks like cellphone hotspots, "MiFi" devices, wifi-enabled printers, etc., create interference with the official campus Wi-Fi network, blocking access for everyone else around you.

Get Wifi Help

If you are still having problems with wifi after trying these tips, there is help! Get IT Help from the IT Service Desk.

"Roaming" with eduroam

Eduroam is a collaborative Wifi network that any research or educational institution can join. The benefit is that you can roam among the member institutions and join the eduroam network there, just as easily as you do on our campus. Note that before you roam, you must first join the network at least once on the UMass Boston campus.

Residence Hall Networks

Our new residential halls have two networks:

  • UMBResHall - This network is for students living in the Residence Halls. You should follow the instructions provided in your dormitory for joining this network -- basically, select the network and log in with your UMass Boston email address and password. You will need to log in to the Single Digits portal to register your devices (printers, TVs, etc.)
     
  • UMBResHall_Guest - This network is for anyone visiting the Residence Hall buildings but not living there. Select the network, navigate to a web page in your browser, and accept the terms. You should receive a guest connection valid for about four hours, after which you will need to click the accept button again.

If you have any trouble connecting to either of these networks from within the Residence Hall or have trouble using your internet-enabled devices on the UMBResHall network, please call the Single Digits student support number: (855) 890-9546

Guest Wifi Network

Eduroam is only available for those with a UMB email account. For official guests of university employees without a UMB account, there is an additional network available, titled UMB-Guest. This network requires a password to access it. To obtain the password, the UMB employee hosting the guest should contact the IT Service Desk. The UMB employee will have to verify themselves as a university employee, explain the need for guest access, and then the password will be given by an IT Service Desk supervisor.

It is recommended that contact with the IT Service Desk is initiated ahead of time, so that you will have the guest password when it's needed. Contact the IT Service Desk to get started.

Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy

For more detailed policy information, read the Wireless Requirements and Procedures and the full  Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy.

 
 
Information Technology Services
Healey Library, 3rd Floor
 617.287.5220
 ITServiceDesk@umb.edu