Network Registration
Information on registering devices for network access.

Device Registration
Before using the University Wi-Fi, personal devices must be registered. Once registered, devices will be authorized to connect to either: 

 

 CU Registered Open 

 CU Registered (an encrypted network with a unique, per-device password) 

 

 Devices registered using a CU account stay active for 9 months from their last use – after that, you'll need to register again. 

 Getting Connected 

 Some devices use a random MAC address by default – you'll want to turn that off before registering! Here's how . 

 Check out the locating your device's MAC address page for step-by-step instructions on connecting and registering common devices. 

 Devices with a web browser 

 Computers, phones, and tablets 

 

 

 Connect to  CU Registered Open . 

 

 

 Register your device — your MAC address will automatically be detected. 

 

 If you don't automatically get prompted to register:

 

 On Apple iOS Devices : Make sure auto-login is enabled in CU Registered Open settings. 

 Try forgetting the CU Registered Open network and setting it up again. 

 Open a web browser and visit any website to manually initiate the registration process. 

 

 

 Select which type of account you will be using to sign in

 

 If you have a CU or PASSHE account, you can register your device using it. 

 Otherwise, you will need to request a guest account. Guest accounts are limited to fewer devices and a shorter duration of network access. 

 

 

 Select  Register this device 

 Log in using your CU, PASSHE, or guest account 

 Provide a  device nickname  that helps you know which device this is later 

 Optional:  Specify your own Wi-Fi password for this device 

 Optional:  Enter a phone number to receive a text message with your device registration information 

 Review and accept the terms of use 

 Click or tap Create Device 

 Your device will briefly disconnect from the Wi-Fi. When it reconnects, you will have network access. 

 

 

 

 Optional : Connect to  CU Registered using the unique password that was generated for your device. 

 

 

 Devices without a web browser 

 Gaming consoles, media players, and TVs 

 

 

 Find your device’s MAC address . 

 

 

 Head to our registration portal on a different device. 

 

 Log in using your CU, PASSHE, or guest account 

 Under Devices , click  Create Device 

 Provide a device nickname  that helps you know which device this is later 

 Optional:  Specify your own Wi-Fi password for this device 

 Optional:  Enter a phone number to receive a text message with your device registration information 

 Review and accept the terms of use 

 Click Create Device 

 

 

 Connect to Wi-Fi — you’re good to go! 

 

 Managing Devices 

 Manage your devices at  netreg.commonwealthu.edu . 

 View and manage your registered devices, update Wi-Fi passwords, and add or remove devices anytime. Log in with your CU, PASSHE, or guest account. 

 Visiting campus? 

 No problem — guests can easily get online by registering for temporary access. 

 Here’s how it works: 

 

 Connect to CU Registered Open . 

 When prompted, select I am a guest , then  request guest account . 

 Enter your name, email address, and mobile phone number. 

 We’ll text you a temporary username and password. 

 Follow the steps above to register your device. 

 Optional: Check your email for a confirmation link, if you need guest access longer than 24 hours.

Locating your device's MAC address
To register devices without a screen or web browser on the campus network, you’ll need their unique hardware ID, called a MAC address. Every device has one, and it’s usually listed in the network or Wi-Fi settings. Follow the steps below to locate it on your specific device. 

 eReaders 

 

 Amazon Kindle 

 Amazon Kindle 

 E-Ink Version 

 

 Access the menu on your Kindle 

 Select "Settings", then scroll down 

 Document the "Wi-Fi MAC address", listed under "Device Info". 

 Register your device 

 

 

 Gaming Consoles 

 

 Microsoft Xbox (original) 

 Microsoft Xbox (original) 

 

 Turn on your Xbox with no game disc in the disc tray 

 From the Dashboard, select "Xbox Live" 

 You should receive the following message: "Could not connect to Xbox Live. Do you want to troubleshoot your network connection?" 

 From the "Connect Status" screen, select "Settings" 

 Document the MAC address at the lower right corner of the "Network Settings" screen (the 12-digit hexadecimal value) 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Microsoft Xbox 360 

 Microsoft Xbox 360 

 NXE Dashboard 

 

 Go to "My Xbox" on the dashboard 

 Select "System Settings" 

 Select "Network Settings" 

 Select the appropriate network. If you want to use both wired and wireless, each adapter uses a unique MAC address and both must be registered. 

 Select "Configure Network" 

 Select "Advanced Settings" 

 Under "Additional Settings", select "Advanced Settings" 

 Document the MAC address displayed at the bottom of the screen 

 Register your device 

 

 Original Dashboard 

 

 Go to the "System" area of the dashboard 

 Select "Network Settings" 

 Select the appropriate network. If you want to use both wired and wireless, each adapter uses a unique MAC address and both must be registered. 

 Select "Edit Settings" 

 Under "Additional Settings", select "Advanced Settings" 

 Document the MAC address displayed at the bottom of the screen 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Microsoft Xbox One 

 Microsoft Xbox One 

 The Xbox One initial setup will not complete successfully until you have full network access. You must register the device before this is possible. The initial setup must be completed with a wireless connection; it is not possible to obtain the wired MAC address during the initial setup. 

 If you have previously used your Xbox One, follow the instructions under "After Initial Setup". 

 During Initial Setup (newer software) 

 

 Power on your new Xbox One 

 Select your language 

 Select your location 

 Which one's yours?

 

 Select "CU Registered Open" 

 

 

 Additional authentication needed

 

 Select "Authenticate now" 

 

 

 Select "I have a CU account" using the left analog stick and "A" button 

 Select "Register this device" 

 Enter your CU username and password 

 Enter a device name 

 Select "Create Device" 

 Wait for internet connection to be detected 

 It's all good

 

 Select "Continue" 

 

 

 

 During Initial Setup (older software) 

 

 Power on your new Xbox One 

 Select your language 

 Select your location 

 Which one's yours?

 

 Select "Add wireless network" 

 

 

 Enter the name (SSID) of your network

 

 Enter a non-existant network (random letters should work) 

 

 

 What type of security is used for "[previously entered SSID]"?

 

 Select "None" 

 

 

 Connecting to "[previously entered SSID]" wireless network... 

 Checking your connection... 

 Where's the Internet?

 

 Select "Let's fix it" 

 

 

 Which network do you want to check?

 

 Select "Wireless" 

 

 

 Change settings

 

 Select "Add wireless network" 

 

 

 Change settings Specify SSID

 

 Enter a non-existant network (you may use the same value as earlier) 

 

 

 Change settings Network "[previously entered SSID]" Security type

 

 Select "None" 

 

 

 Connecting to "[previously entered SSID]" wireless network... 

 Searching for solutions 

 Can't connect to your wireless network

 

 Select "That didn't work" 

 

 

 Document your console's wireless MAC address, displayed in the format of XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX 

 Register your device 

 Power your Xbox One off and on again to return to the beginning of the initial setup 

 

 After Initial Setup (newer software) 

 

 Navigate to the "Settings" page 

 Select "Network" 

 Select "Network settings" 

 Select "Set up wireless network" 

 Which one's yours?

 

 Select "CU Registered Open" 

 

 

 Additional authentication needed

 

 Select "Authenticate now" 

 

 

 Select "I have a CU account" using the left analog stick and "A" button 

 Select "Register this device" 

 Enter your CU username and password 

 Enter a device name 

 Select "Create Device" 

 Wait for internet connection to be detected 

 It's all good

 

 Select "Continue" 

 

 

 

 After Initial Setup (older software) 

 

 Navigate to the "Settings" page 

 Select "Network" 

 Select "Advanced Settings" 

 Document the MAC address displayed at the right side of the screen 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Microsoft Xbox Series S/X 

 Microsoft Xbox Series S/X 

 

 Navigate to the "Settings" page 

 Select "Network Settings" 

 Select "Advanced Settings" 

 Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters. 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 

 Nintendo DS 

 Nintendo DS 

 The Nintendo DS implementation of wireless is not compatible with modern high-speed wireless networks and is incompatible with the university network. 

 

 

 Nintendo 3DS 

 Nintendo 3DS 

 

 From the Main Menu, highlight "System Settings" and tap "Open" 

 Tap "Internet Settings" 

 Tap "OK" 

 Enter your PIN and tap "OK" 

 Tap "Other Information" 

 Tap "Confirm MAC Address" 

 Document the MAC address 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Nintendo Switch 

 Nintendo Switch 

 

 From the Main Menu, select "System Settings" 

 Scroll down and select "Internet" 

 Document the MAC address 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Nintendo Switch 2 

 Nintendo Switch 2 

 

 From the Main Menu, select "System Settings" 

 Scroll down and select "Internet" 

 Document the MAC address 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Nintendo Wii 

 Nintendo Wii 

 The Nintendo Wii's implementation of wireless is not compatible with modern high-speed wireless networks and is incompatible with the university network. 

 If you have a wired adapter for your Wii and have obtained an active network port in your room, you may register your Nintendo Wii. 

 

 From the Wii Channel menu, select the "Wii Options" button (located on the lower left) 

 Select "Wii Settings" 

 Select "Internet" 

 Select "Console Information" 

 Document the "LAN Adapter MAC Address".

 

 Please note the "MAC address" is the wireless adapter and is not compatible with the campus network. 

 If your "LAN Adapter MAC Address" is 00-00-00-00-00-00, you do not have the wired network adapter installed or it is not functioning properly. 

 

 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Nintendo Wii U 

 Nintendo Wii U 

 

 On your Wii U Gamepad, go to the Wii U Menu, and tap "System Settings" 

 Tap "Internet" 

 Tap "View MAC Address" 

 Document the MAC address 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 

 Sony PlayStation 3 

 Sony PlayStation 3 

 

 From the XrossMediaBar (XMB) menu, select "Settings" (located on the left) 

 Select "Network Settings" 

 Select "Settings and Connection Status List" 

 Scroll down until the MAC address is visible 

 Document the MAC address 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Sony PlayStation 4 

 Sony PlayStation 4 

 

 From the main menu, select "Settings" (located on the upper right) 

 Select "Network" 

 Select "View Connection Status" 

 Scroll down until the MAC addresses are visible 

 Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters. 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Sony PlayStation 5 

 Sony PlayStation 5 

 

 From the main menu, select "Settings" (located on the upper right) 

 Select "Network" 

 Select "Connection Status" 

 Select "View Connection Status" 

 Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters. 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) 

 Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) 

 

 Select System Settings 

 Select System Information 

 Document the MAC Address 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Sony PlayStation Vita 

 Sony PlayStation Vita 

 

 Select the "Settings" bubble from the main menu 

 Scroll down near the bottom of the Settings menu and select "System" 

 Select "System Information" 

 Document the MAC address 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 

 Steam Deck 

 Stream Deck 

 

 Go to Settings 

 Select "Internet" 

 Select "Info" 

 Document the MAC address 

 Register your device 

 

 

 Media Players and TVs 

 

 Amazon Fire TV 

 Amazon Fire TV 

 During Initial Setup 

 

 On the "Connect to your network" screen, both MAC addresses will be displayed in the last box to the right 

 Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters. 

 Register your device 

 

 After Initial Setup 

 

 From the main menu, select "Settings" 

 Select "System" (last option to the right) 

 Select "About" 

 Select "Network" 

 Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters. 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Apple TV 

 Apple TV 

 During Initial Setup 

 It is not possible to retrieve the MAC address during the initial setup. Press the "Menu" button on the remote control to skip the initial setup. 

 After Initial Setup 

 

 From the home screen, select "Settings" 

 Select "General" 

 Select "About" 

 Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters.

 

 If you do not have the wired adapter connected, the wireless MAC address will be displayed as "Wi-Fi Address". 

 If the wired adapter has a network connection, the display will change to show the wired MAC address as "Ethernet Address". 

 

 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Roku 

 Roku 

 The following procedure may be completed either during or after the initial setup. 

 

 Press the following button sequence on your remote control:

 

 Home 5 times 

 ▶▶ (FF) 3 times 

 ◀◀ (RW) 2 times 

 

 

 Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters. 

 Select "Back" or "Cancel" to return 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Smart TVs 

 Smart TVs 

 Most Smart TVs are compatible with the university network. You will need to obtain the MAC address from your TV prior to registering. 

 A MAC address consists of letters (A-F) and numbers (0-9), typically in one of the following formats: XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX or XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX. 

 Due to differences between each TV and the variety of models being used, it is not possible to maintain accurate instructions for every TV. The MAC address should be noted in your TV's settings menu or printed on the rear of the TV. 

 Tip: You may be able to find specific instructions for your TV by searching the internet for "MAC address" with the model number. 

 

 Smart Speakers, Displays, and Alarms 

 

 Amazon Echo 

 Amazon Echo 

 

 Download the  Amazon Alexa app to a phone or computer 

 Sign in with your Amazon Account 

 Connect to the wireless network transmitted by the Echo device 

 Document the MAC address at the bottom of the Echo Setup screen 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Google Home 

 Google Home 

 

 Download the Google Home app on your phone or tablet 

 Select your Google Home from the list of nearby devices and press  Set Up 

 Accept the prompt to allow your phone to connect to the Google Home 

 Enter the location of your Google Home and press  Continue 

 Document the MAC address at the bottom right corner of the screen 

 Register your device 

 

 

 

 Hatch Alarm Clock 

 Hatch Alarm Clock 

 Hatch only supports password protected Wi-Fi and must be used with CU Registered 

 

 Contact Hatch Support for your device's MAC address 

 Once they have provided the MAC address, you may register your device 

 

 

 Smart Watches 

 

 Samsung Galaxy Watch 

 Samsung Galaxy Watch 

 

 Open the Settings app 

 Navigate to About Watch >  Status Information 

 Document the MAC address from Wi-Fi MAC Address 

 Register your device 

 Return to the  Settings app 

 Navigate to Connections >  Wi-Fi 

 Select  CU Registered Open or CU Registered 

 Select  Advanced 

 Disable  Randomized MAC 

 If you are using CU Registered , go back and enter your device's unique Wi-Fi password 

 Connect to the network 

 

 

 Other Devices 

 Most other personal devices support username/password wireless authentication and should use the CommonwealthU wireless network instead, which does not require registration. More information about getting connected is available in the  Wi-Fi section.

MAC Address Randomization
Most modern smartphones, laptops, and tablets use MAC address randomization by default. This means your device generates a temporary, random MAC address each time it connects to a new Wi-Fi network — which is great for privacy on public networks, but causes issues when your device needs to be identified by a consistent address, like in our registration system. 

 When you register your device, we authorize the specific MAC address you provide. If your device keeps changing its MAC address, the network won’t recognize it as registered – and you’ll either get blocked from connecting or be asked to register again and again. 

 To avoid this, you’ll need to disable MAC address randomization for our campus Wi-Fi networks on your device. This ensures it always uses the same, consistent MAC address when connecting here. 

 Instructions 

 Follow the steps below to disable MAC address randomization on your device. 

 

 Apple iPhone/iPad (iOS) 

 Apple iPhone/iPad (iOS) 

 This setting only applies to the individual Wi-Fi network where you change it. If you intend on using  CU Registered after registering your device using CU Registered Open , you must complete these steps again when switching networks. 

 

 Go to Wi-Fi settings 

 Tap the blue information icon next to CU Registered Open or  CU Registered 

 Change Private Wi-Fi Address to Off 

 

 

 

 Apple Mac (macOS) 

 Apple Mac (macOS) 

 This setting only applies to the individual Wi-Fi network where you change it. If you intend on using CU Registered after registering your device using CU Registered Open , you must complete these steps again when switching networks. 

 Sequoia and newer 

 

 Click the  Apple menu 

 Select  System Settings 

 Select Wi-Fi from the sidebar 

 Click the three dots next to CU Registered Open or  CU Registered 

 Select Network Settings 

 Change  Private Wi-Fi Address to  Off 

 

 

 

 Apple Watch 

 Apple Watch 

 This setting only applies to the individual Wi-Fi network where you change it. If you intend on using  CU Registered after registering your device using CU Registered Open , you must complete these steps again when switching networks. 

 

 Go to Wi-Fi settings 

 Tap  CU Registered Open or  CU Registered 

 Change Private Address to Off 

 

 

 

 Google Pixel (Android) 

 Google Pixel (Android) 

 This setting only applies to the individual Wi-Fi network where you change it. If you intend on using  CU Registered after registering your device using CU Registered Open , you must complete these steps again when switching networks. 

 

 Pull down the notification area 

 Long press  Internet 

 If there is a gear next to  CU Registered Open or  CU Registered: 

 

 Tap the gear 

 

 

 If not:

 

 Long-press  CU Registered Open or  CU Registered 

 Select Modify 

 Tap Advanced options 

 

 

 Under Privacy , select Use device MAC 

 

 

 

 Samsung Galaxy Phone/Tablet (Android) 

 Samsung Galaxy Phone/Tablet (Android) 

 This setting only applies to the individual Wi-Fi network where you change it. If you intend on using  CU Registered after registering your device using CU Registered Open , you must complete these steps again when switching networks. 

 

 Pull down the notification area 

 Long press Wi-Fi 

 Tap Details 

 Tap the gear next to  CU Registered Open or  CU Registered 

 Tap View More 

 Select  MAC Address Type , then choose  Phone MAC , Tablet MAC , or  Device MAC 

 

 

 

 Samsung Galaxy Watch 

 Samsung Galaxy Watch 

 This setting only applies to the individual Wi-Fi network where you change it. If you intend on using  CU Registered after registering your device using CU Registered Open , you must complete these steps again when switching networks. 

 

 Open the  Settings app 

 Navigate to Connections >  Wi-Fi 

 Select  CU Registered Open or CU Registered 

 Select  Advanced 

 Disable  Randomized MAC 

 

 

 

 Windows 

 Windows 

 This setting only applies to the individual Wi-Fi network where you change it. If you intend on using  CU Registered after registering your device using CU Registered Open , you must complete these steps again when switching networks. 

 

 Click the  Start button 

 Navigate to Settings >  Network & Internet >  Wi-Fi 

 Click  Manage known networks 

 Select  CU Registered Open or  CU Registered 

 Change Random hardware addresses to  Off 

 

 

 Why is there a "Privacy Warning"? 

 When connecting to our Wi-Fi, some devices may show a "Privacy Warning." This message appears because the network requires devices to use their actual hardware (MAC) address instead of a randomly generated one. 

 The wording can sound alarming, but here’s what it really means: 

 

 Why the message appears: Many devices now use randomized MAC addresses by default to reduce the chance of being tracked across different networks. The warning is just letting you know this feature has been turned off. 

 What it does not mean: It does not mean your browsing, communications, or personal data are exposed. Your internet traffic is still encrypted (when using HTTPS, VPNs, apps, etc.) and private to you. 

 What it does mean: The network can recognize your device as the same one when you reconnect in the future. That's the only "tracking" the warning refers to. On a campus network like ours, this is normal and intentional. 

 

 In short: The warning is about device identification, not your online privacy. Using your device's actual MAC address is safe and required for a reliable connection here.