# Wi-Fi

Commonwealth University provides wireless networks deployed across the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses. These networks are available to faculty, staff, students, and guests.

More information is available on the pages below.

# Wi-Fi Overview

Multiple wireless networks are available depending on the use case. The preferred network for personal phones, tablets, and computers is **CommonwealthU**, which allows you to connect using your CU username and password.

Some personal devices do not support username/password wireless authentication. These devices should use **CU Registered** or **CU Registered Open** instead Check out the [locating your device's MAC address](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/locating-your-devices-mac-address) page for step-by-step instructions on connecting and registering common devices.

If you are encountering issues connecting to Wi-Fi, please see the [Known Wi-Fi Issues](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/known-wi-fi-issues) page for possible solutions.

### Device Registration

Personal devices connecting to **CU Registered** or **CU Registered Open** must be registered. More information about this process is available in the [Network Registration](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/chapter/network-registration) section.

<p class="callout info">You may need to [disable MAC address randomization](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/mac-address-randomization) on devices before connecting to **CU Registered** or **CU Registered Open**.</p>

### Networks

#### CommonwealthU

This is the preferred wireless network for personal phones, tablets, and computers belonging to faculty, staff, and students.

Connect to this network using your CU username and password. This network provides an encrypted wireless connection.

If you are prompted for network settings while connecting, here's what you need to know:

- Security type: **WPA3 Enterprise** (preferred) or **WPA2 Enterprise** (supported)
- Encryption type: **AES**
- Mode: **Automatic**
- EAP method: **PEAP**
- Phase 2 authentication: **MSCHAPv2**
- Trusted root certificate authority: **Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46**
- Server name: **commonwealthu.edu**
- CA certificate: **Use system certificates**
- Domain: **commonwealthu.edu**
- Username or Identity: Your full **CU account username**, such as **flast@commonwealthu.edu** or **abc12345@commonwealthu.edu
- Anonymous identity: *(leave blank)*
- Password: Your **CU account password**

#### CU Registered Open

This wireless network is available for personal devices belonging to faculty, staff, students, and guests.

Game consoles, streaming devices, and smart TVs must be [manually registered](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we) before connecting to this network.

Computers, phones, and tablets should automatically begin the registration process upon connecting to this network for the first time. If registration does not begin automatically, open a web browser and visit any website to initiate the process.

#### CU Registered

<p class="callout warning">Devices must be [registered](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration) before connecting to this network.</p>

This wireless network is available for personal devices belonging to faculty, staff, students, and guests. It provides an encrypted wireless connection for devices that do not support username/password wireless authentication.

Each device must be individually registered before using this network. During registration, a unique password will be assigned to each device that must be provided when connecting. It is not possible to connect to this network using your CU account password.

#### CU Managed

<p class="callout danger">The **CU Managed** network will not work on personal devices.</p>

All University-managed devices are automatically configured to connect to this wireless network. It is not necessary to manually configure university-managed devices, and doing so may cause problems.

# Connecting to Wi-Fi

Most devices can be connected with just a few quick steps. For some common devices, we’ve provided complete beginning-to-end instructions below. Follow the guide that matches your device to make sure it connects smoothly to the campus network.

#### Computers

<details id="bkmrk-macos-macos-if-you%27v"><summary>Apple Mac (macOS)</summary>

##### Apple Mac

- Go to **Wi-Fi** settings
- Move your mouse over **CommonwealthU** and click **Connect**
- Leave **Identity** set to **None**
- Log in using your **CU account**
- If you are prompted to verify a certificate, confirm it is for the server **commonwealthu.edu** and click **Continue**
- Enter your computer password to store the certificate. If you skip this step, you will be prompted to verify the certificate next time you connect.

</details><details id="bkmrk-windows-windows-11-g"><summary>Windows</summary>

##### Windows 11

- Click the **Start** button
- Navigate to **Settings** &gt; **Network &amp; Internet** &gt; **Wi-Fi**
- Expand **Show available networks**
- Select **CommonwealthU**
- Check **Connect automatically**
- Click **Connect**
- Log in using your **CU account**
- Click **OK**
- If you are prompted to verify a certificate, confirm it is for the server **commonwealthu.edu** and click **Connect**

</details>#### Phones and Tablets

<details id="bkmrk-apple-ios-registerin"><summary>Apple iPhone/iPad (iOS)</summary>

##### Apple iPhone/iPad (iOS)

- Go to **Wi-Fi** settings
- Tap **CommonwealthU**
- Log in using your **CU account**
- Tap the **checkmark**
- If you are prompted to verify a certificate, confirm it is for the server **commonwealthu.edu** and tap **Trust**

</details><details id="bkmrk-google-android-regis"><summary>Google Pixel (Android)</summary>

##### Google Pixel (Android)

- Pull down the notification area
- Long press **Internet**
- Tap **CommonwealthU**
- Configure as follows: 
    - EAP method: **PEAP**
    - Phase 2 authentication: **MSCHAPv2**
    - CA certificate: **Use system certificates**
    - Domain: **commonwealthu.edu**
    - Identity: your **CU username**
    - Password: your **CU password**
- Tap **Connect**

</details><details id="bkmrk-samsung-android-regi"><summary>Samsung Galaxy (Android)</summary>

##### Samsung Galaxy (Android)

**Registering your device**

- Pull down the notification area
- Long press **Wi-Fi**
- Tap **Details**
- Tap **CommonwealthU**
- Configured as follows: 
    - EAP method: **PEAP**
    - Phase 2 authentication: **MSCHAPv2**
    - CA certificate: **Use system certificates**
    - Domain: **commonwealthu.edu**
    - Identity: your **CU username**
    - Password: your **CU password**
- Tap **Connect**

</details>#### Other Devices

Some personal devices do not support username/password wireless authentication and should be registered for **CU Registered** or **CU Registered Open** instead. More information about this process is available in the [Network Registration](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/chapter/network-registration) section

# Wi-Fi Requirements

#### **Supported Devices**

Our network supports most modern laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other Wi-Fi–capable devices.

#### **Recommended Hardware**

For the most reliable performance – especially in areas with high signal congestion or heavy device use – we recommend using a **Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)** adapter.

For desktop computers, adapters that include a **desktop cradle and larger antenna** tend to provide:

- Better signal reception when placed away from the computer or under a desk
- Improved stability and speed in dense wireless environments
- Fewer dropouts and better performance during peak usage

The [Netgear Nighthawk A8000](https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/adapters/a8000/) and [TP-Link Archer TXE50UH](https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/usb-adapter/archer-txe50uh/v1/) are both good examples of a device that should work well in most situations.

# Wi-Fi Performance

Our Wi-Fi network is designed to provide fast, reliable access across campus. However, wireless performance can be affected by many factors – some within our control, and others within yours. This page explains what can impact your connection and how to get the best possible experience.

#### **Wireless Interference**

Wi-Fi operates in shared frequency bands, so other devices using the same frequencies can cause slow speeds, dropped connections, or higher latency. Common sources of interference include:

- **Non-Wi-Fi wireless devices**, such as:
    
    
    - Wireless HDMI transmitters
    - Bluetooth speakers and headphones
    - Wireless keyboards and mice
    - Game controllers
- **Personal routers, hotspots, and extenders**, which create competing networks that are not optimized to avoid interference
- **Microwave ovens**, especially when located near access points

<p class="callout info">When possible, use wired peripherals or turn off unnecessary wireless devices near your computer.</p>

#### **Device Hardware and Placement**

Not all Wi-Fi adapters perform equally. Performance can be affected by:

- **Older adapters** that only support 2.4 GHz or earlier standards like 802.11n
- **Weak antennas** or adapters embedded behind metal cases or desks
- **Adapters without cradles**, which are limited by their position and can’t be moved for better signal

We recommend using a **Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)** adapter with a **desktop cradle and larger antenna**. These models can be placed away from your computer, improving reception and stability.

#### **Environmental Factors**

Wi-Fi signals can be absorbed or reflected by:

- Metal surfaces and filing cabinets
- Concrete walls
- Water (including aquariums and people)

Repositioning your device or adapter just a few feet can make a noticeable difference.

# Prohibited Wireless Devices

To ensure stable, high-performance Wi-Fi across campus, certain types of devices are **not permitted**. These devices interfere with campus Wi-Fi operations and can cause widespread performance issues for nearby users.

#### **Prohibited Device Types**

<div class="_tableContainer_1rjym_1" id="bkmrk-category-examples-wh"><div class="group _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex w-fit flex-col-reverse" tabindex="-1"><table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-end="1593" data-start="709" style="width: 100%;"><thead data-end="754" data-start="709"><tr data-end="754" data-start="709"><th data-col-size="sm" data-end="720" data-start="709" style="width: 31.7072%;">Category</th><th data-col-size="md" data-end="731" data-start="720" style="width: 68.2928%;">Examples</th></tr></thead><tbody data-end="1593" data-start="803"><tr data-end="1027" data-start="803"><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="844" data-start="803" style="width: 31.7072%;">**Personal routers and access points**</td><td data-col-size="md" data-end="938" data-start="844" style="width: 68.2928%;">Home Wi-Fi routers, mesh nodes, “travel” routers, wireless printers acting as access points</td></tr><tr data-end="1249" data-start="1028"><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="1064" data-start="1028" style="width: 31.7072%;">**Mobile hotspots and tethering**</td><td data-col-size="md" data-end="1160" data-start="1064" style="width: 68.2928%;">Phone or tablet hotspot mode, dedicated hotspot devices (e.g., Verizon Jetpack, Nighthawk M1)</td></tr><tr data-end="1420" data-start="1250"><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="1286" data-start="1250" style="width: 31.7072%;">**Wi-Fi extenders and repeaters**</td><td data-col-size="md" data-end="1339" data-start="1286" style="width: 68.2928%;">Range extenders, signal boosters, wireless bridges</td></tr><tr data-end="1593" data-start="1421"><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="1459" data-start="1421" style="width: 31.7072%;">**Ad-hoc or peer-to-peer networks**</td><td data-col-size="md" data-end="1504" data-start="1459" style="width: 68.2928%;">Computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) Wi-Fi setups</td></tr></tbody></table>

</div></div>#### **Additional Notes**

- **Do not plug in or power on** these devices anywhere in campus buildings.
- If you need additional coverage or signal strength in your area, contact the [Technology Help Desk](https://helpdesk.commonwealthu.edu). We’ll evaluate the space and, if appropriate, make adjustments to our managed access points.
- Personal devices like phones, laptops, tablets, smart speakers, and IoT devices are allowed – as long as they connect **to the official campus Wi-Fi** and **do not broadcast their own networks**.

# Known Wi-Fi Issues

<details id="bkmrk-apple-ios-devices-ap"><summary>Apple Devices</summary>

#### Apple Devices

##### Not Prompted to Register

If you don't automatically get prompted to register your device when connecting to **CU Registered Open** for the first time:

- Make sure **auto-login** is **enabled** in CU Registered Open settings.
- If you do not have an option for auto-login, try forgetting the CU Registered Open network and setting it up again.
- *As a last resort*: Open a web browser and visit any website to manually initiate the registration process.

##### Repeatedly Prompted for Wi-Fi Password

Apple devices that are signed into the same iCloud account will sync the Wi-Fi password for **CU Registered** to all other devices. To avoid issues, you must specify the same password on all Apple devices during registration.

Once you encounter this problem, it may be necessary to forget the network on all devices and delete the Wi-Fi password from your iCloud account.

To forget the Wi-Fi network:

- Go to **Wi-Fi** settings
- Click the three dots or tap the blue information icon next to **CU Registered**
- Select **Forget This Network**
- Repeat this procedure on all Apple devices

Next, on an Apple Mac:

- Click the **magnifying glass** 🔍 near the upper right corner
- Type **Keychain Access** and press **enter**
- Search for **CU Registered**
- Select the first item, then press the **delete** key  
    [![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/DQcVaT5TrcVXGRKn-image.png)](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/DQcVaT5TrcVXGRKn-image.png)
- It may be necessary to enter your computer password to confirm this change
- If there are multiple entries, delete them all

Once you have forgotten the network on all devices and removed it from your iCloud keychain, make sure you have the same password set for all devices using the Network Registration portal at [https://netreg.commonwealthu.edu](https://netreg.commonwealthu.edu). Now you can set up **CU Registered** again on your devices using the following instructions:

- [Apple Mac](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/locating-your-devices-mac-address#bkmrk-macos)
- [Apple iPhone/iPad](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/locating-your-devices-mac-address#bkmrk-apple-ios)

Don't forget to [turn off Private Wi-Fi address](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/mac-address-randomization) when you connect to **CU Registered** again.

</details><details id="bkmrk-sony-playstation-son"><summary>Sony PlayStation</summary>

#### Sony PlayStation

Sony PlayStations sometimes get confused by the optional encryption on the **CU Registered Open** Wi-Fi network. The easiest way to resolve this issue is to use **CU Registered**. If you would like to use **CU Registered Open**, it is still possible to connect, but requires a few extra steps.

If you are encountering this problem, you will see a lock icon on the **CU Registered Open** network and be prompted for a password if you select it.

[![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/scaled-1680-/OUsBJFAZ6qqNGkxU-image.png)](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/OUsBJFAZ6qqNGkxU-image.png)

[![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/scaled-1680-/ntXUVY2QmK9cL9j9-image.png)](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/ntXUVY2QmK9cL9j9-image.png)

If this occurs, press ![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/scaled-1680-/us9NHfuBQafZdYJW-image.png) to re-scan Wi-Fi networks until the lock disappears:

[![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/scaled-1680-/S7sarbJhfNSFTW93-image.png)](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/S7sarbJhfNSFTW93-image.png)

You can also work around this problem by manually configuring the Wi-Fi network on your PlayStation:

1. Select "Set Up Manually"  
    [![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/scaled-1680-/LTDFLx3Veu4mrz4X-image.png)](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/LTDFLx3Veu4mrz4X-image.png)
2. Select "Use Wi-Fi"  
    [![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/scaled-1680-/tI7jaF3DD2UaVdtK-image.png)](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/tI7jaF3DD2UaVdtK-image.png)
3. Select "Enter Manually"  
    [![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/scaled-1680-/z4VwjGbqC4bN274q-image.png)](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/z4VwjGbqC4bN274q-image.png)
4. Enter **CU Registered Open** for SSID and leave all other settings at the default value.  
    [![image.png](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/scaled-1680-/l8yzfDCivV8MgBLQ-image.png)](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2024-08/l8yzfDCivV8MgBLQ-image.png)
5. Select "Done"

</details><details id="bkmrk-vizio-tvs-some-vizio"><summary>Vizio TVs</summary>

#### Vizio TVs

Some Vizio TVs get confused by the optional encryption on the **CU Registered Open** Wi-Fi network. The easiest way to resolve this issue is to use **CU Registered**. If you would like to use **CU Registered Open**, it is still possible to connect, but requires a few extra steps.

If you are encountering this problem, you will not see **CU Registered Open** in the list of Wi-Fi networks.

To connect, you will need to select the "Hidden Network" option and enter **CU Registered Open** as the Access Point Name.

</details>