Andrew Januszka – ITS News

Apple iOS14 Release Information

Apple released the iOS14 update, with many new features for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iWatch). There has been a lot of confusion about one of the features as they haven’t advertised it well. A new default feature in iOS14 uses a private address when you join a Wi-Fi network. You would have a different private address for each Wi-Fi network that you would connect to. This is an important safety feature especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

We were under the impression that this private address would change every 24 hours, ultimately causing you to have to re-register on Widener’s network . After a full week of testing and working with technical support, we were able to determine that this feature will function on Widener’s Campus Wi-Fi.

The only change with this feature being ENABLED would be that you now have to register your device on each network. This would mostly affect the student population who travel from the residence halls (“wu-secure-resnet”) to the academic buildings (“wu-secure”).

You have the ability to disable this feature. Follow the directions below:

Turn private address off or on for a network

You can stop or resume using a private address with any network. For better privacy, leave the setting on for all networks that support it.

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
Tap the information button next to a network.
Tap Private Address. If your device joined the network without using a private address, a privacy warning explains why.
2. Uncheck the Private Address.

Apple Watch

Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
Tap the name of the network you joined. If you haven’t joined the network yet, swipe left on its name and tap more .
Tap Private Address.
2. Uncheck the Private Address.

WiFi Security Upgrade

Widener University is implementing a new authentication method and encryption for wireless devices. This security enhancement will help validate and ensure authorized access to our Widener University network while keeping your data safe.

The new authentication method will be rolled out on Wednesday June 10^th. The NEW WIRELESS NETWORK NAMES (SSID) will appear for use across all 3 campuses. Here is a quick overview on the networks that you will see in certain areas of campus:

The “wu-secure” network is a secure encrypted network providing access to campus resources for all users with valid Widener IDs and passwords. Only encryption-capable devices will work on the wu-secure network. Use this network for all official University business when you are on campus. Windows 10, Mac OS 10.4+, and recent versions of Linux/Unix should all work on this network. Most mobile devices with Wi-Fi will also work. This network will be in all academic, administrative, and non-residential social areas on each campus.

The “wu-secure-resnet” network is a secure encrypted network providing internet access in our resident hall buildings. This network is only for encryption-capable devices. Windows Vista and later, Mac OS 10.4+, and recent versions of Linux/Unix should all work on this network. Most mobile devices with Wi-Fi will also work. This network will be in all Residential Halls on the Chester Main Campus and Delaware Campus.

Not all devices support the encryption software. Because of this, we have created a separate network for these devices called “wu-open-game-stream” wireless network. This will be used for the registration of gaming systems, TVs, and streaming devices (Roku, Firesticks, etc). Some older machines that do not support encryption will also be redirected to this network.

After the update, you will be prompted to enter your Widener LoginID and password to gain access to the university wireless network. When prompted, accept the certificate. Be sure you accept the certificate. If you do not accept the certificate you will not be able to log into the wu-secure or wu-secure-resnet network.

Since these new secure networks are authenticated with your login credentials, you will need to reenter your loginID and password when prompted after changing your password through Password Self Service. If you are not prompted to reenter your login information, you will need to “Forget the Network” and then Reconnect to get the prompt to appear.

For further instructions and FAQs, please utilize https://my.widener.edu and search wireless for further instructions on how access the network for your specific devices for access.

If you experience any issues connecting to the secure network; or just have questions or concerns, please contact the Widener University IT HelpDesk at 610-499-1047 or submit a ticket at http://quickticket.widener.edu.

Wired & Wireless – Device Registration

Get connected to Widener’s network. For security reasons, Widener University has implemented a solution to protect your electronic devices from other devices that might not be secure. Every device you connect to the Wireless Network or Residence Hall Wired Network must be registered for compliance purposes.

Steps to register your device

Connect to the wireless SSID “wudorm” or “widener”, if you choose to connect via Ethernet cable you will need to put in a port request. (http://portrequest.widener.edu)
Open your internet browser and try to go to a website such as yahoo.com.
- You will be redirected to the Widener Registration site
- If you are not automatically redirected go to http://rr.widener.edu/registration
Follow the on screen instructions to register your device.

Device Registration Requirement Information:

All Microsoft Windows based Desktops and Laptops (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10) are required to have up to date operating system patches (Windows Updates) and an up to date Anti-Virus program (free or subscription) not provided from the University. A persistent agent is required to be downloaded and installed in order to stay in compliance on the network. It will prompt you for your Widener Login Username and password, then it will scan for your operating system patches and verify an up to date Anti-Virus.
Phones & Apple Products (MacBook, iMac, iPad, iPhone), Non-Windows Tablets, eReaders will only require your Widener Login username and password to register on the network.
Most Gaming Devices (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo products), Smart TV’s, and Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Amazon Firestick/TV, Echo, Roku) will be automatically registered on the network. Please connect them via ethernet cable or on the wireless SSID “WUDorm” and they will take up to 15 minutes to move from the registration network to the production network. If you still have issues connecting after patiently waiting, please reboot your device and see if it properly connects. If it still does not connect, please locate your MAC address for your device and open a support ticket by contacting the ITS HelpDesk at 610-499-1047 OR Submit a support ticket at http://QUICKticket.widener.edu

*PLEASE NOTE: Wireless printing in the residence halls is allowed, but we recommend securing them with a passcode to print (see your printer manufacturers’ instructions to setup). Otherwise; connect your printer via usb cable. CHROMECAST is designed to work in a home environment and given the size and complexity of our network, it will NOT work on Widener’s Network. WE DO NOT ALLOW PERSONAL WIRELESS ROUTERS ON WIDENER’S NETWORK. Not all SMART PLUGS AND LIGHTS are designed for enterprise network environments; therefore they may not work properly on our network. But we will work with you to get these devices securely on the network if possible.

Reporting Wireless Issues of registered devices:

We are always looking to improve our wireless network and with your help, we can make it better. In order to fix the issue, we need to know about it. Now you can quickly report the issue to us.

By going to My.Widener.edu and searching WiFi, you will find the link to FixMyWiFi.widener.edu where you can submit a ticket reporting the issue directly to the group that manages this environment. We want to make your wireless experience an enjoyable one, not a stressful one.

*For additional assistance, please visit the Student Technology Support Center. The Student Technology Support Center (STSC) is a walk-in support center where students can go for assistance with their computers and hand-held devices. The STSC is now located on the main floor of the Wolfgram Memorial Library on the Chester Campus. You may also visit the ITS HelpDesk located on the 2^nd floor of Academic Center North (ACN) Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm excluding holidays.

Report Your WiFi Issues Here!

After you have successfully registered your device on the wireless network, have you ever experienced one of these symptoms: slow speeds for an extended period, weak to no wireless signal, constant disconnects, strong signal but no internet access, or just cannot connect to the wireless network?

Across all three campuses, we have made significant upgrades to the wireless network in all academic and administrative buildings as well as the residence halls over the last few years. Even after all these upgrades, we are sure that some of you may still have issues that are not reported to ITS. We are always looking to improve our wireless network and with your help, we can make it better. In order to fix the issue, we need to know about it. Now you can quickly report the issue to us.

By going to My.Widener.edu and searching WiFi, you will find the link to

FixMyWiFi.widener.edu

where you can submit a ticket reporting the issue directly to the group that manages this environment. We want to make your wireless experience an enjoyable one, not a stressful one.

Guest Wireless Made Easy

ITS redesigned our guest wireless service to make getting on faster and more convenient for everybody.

We know you’re connected. But what about your family and friends when they visit you on campus? What about your official guests who are attending meetings or an event? If they want to jump on the wireless and check their email or Facebook, do they have to call the HelpDesk?

Until now, they did. But, as of October 23, we’re changing our guest wireless network to make it more convenient for everybody. We are launching self-service wireless access that uses email or text messages to provide guests with login information that is good for 24 hours.

Simply tell your guest to connect to the “WUGuest” network. When they open a browser window, they’ll be prompted to complete the Guest Self Registration form. They will need to tell us three things:

current, working email address
cell phone number
cell phone carrier (e.g. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc.)

We’ll respond with login information immediately. It’s all automated and available 24/7.

If you or your guests have any issues or want a login for longer than 24 hours, contact the ITS HelpDesk at (610) 499-1047.