Connecting to the UNC Network – Step 3: Wi-Fi (Wireless) Setup

This document will provide you with the information and instructions needed to configure a Wi-Fi card for use on the UNC-Chapel Hill Wi-Fi network.

Before your device can connect to the UNC Wi-Fi network, it must:

  • Have the Wi-Fi card registered and configured for DHCP on the UNC network
  • Be configured to access our Wi-Fi service
  • Have appropriate security settings and antivirus software installed
  • Be physically located in a UNC Wi-Fi zone

Registering and Configuring for DHCP on the UNC Network

You cannot connect to the UNC Wi-Fi network until your device has been registered and configured for DHCP. The registration process is the same for both wired and Wi-Fi cards. Please see the document: Connecting to the UNC Network – Getting Started for detailed instructions. If your card is already registered and configured for DHCP, then continue on to the next section.

Note: Technically speaking you don’t have to register for DHCP if you’re planning to use the recommended UNC-Secure wireless network, although it’s still a good idea.

UNC Wi-Fi Network Overview

For detailed instructions please see the next section.  This is a brief description of the most common Wi-Fi Networks (SSIDs) that are seen on-campus.  Your department/building may or may not see all of these and you may also see additional ones that are specific to your business.

  • UNC-Setup:  This network is the first network new devices connect to in order to be setup/configured for the main network “UNC-Secure”.
  • UNC-Secure:  This is the main Wi-Fi network for official campus users.
  • UNC-PSK:  This network is setup for devices that are unable to configure UNC-Secure or are not used by a specific individual (i.e. printers, lab computers).
  • UNC-Guest:  This a limited access network that’s available upon departmental request to allow non-UNC folks (i.e. those without active Onyens) to access the Internet.
  • UNC-1:  This is the old/original Wi-Fi network which is no longer supported by UNC or networking/computer manufacturers.

Configuring the Wi-Fi settings

Our Wi-Fi network is restricted and encrypted and must be configured properly to access Wi-Fi Internet on-campus.

Wi-Fi or wireless networking is an evolving technology and can be managed by your computer in multiple ways (i.e. your operating system’s configuration software, your Wi-Fi card software, or third party software). To begin, you will need to determine what system or software you are or will be using to manage your Wi-Fi settings. You should choose one method; multiple configurations can cause conflicts on your computer. We recommend that you use the operating system’s configuration software. If you need technical assistance to determine how your computer is managing your Wi-Fi settings, contact the ITS Response Center.

Note: All CCI computers come preconfigured for the UNC Wi-Fi network.

For configuration instructions, select the operating system or software that you are using to manage your Wi-Fi settings from the list below:

Note: In order to help maintain a secure Wi-Fi network, you will need to log-in with your UNC Onyen and password to access the information. Visit onyen.unc.edu for more information.

Operating Systems:

Devices:

Guest Access

While on campus you may have friends or family who are not current UNC students/faculty or staff. If they would like to use the network, you either need to register and setup their computer as if it belongs to you, which means you’re responsible for all network traffic or they can use the UNC-Guest Wireless network. This network is restricted to off-campus websites only and some applications may not work with it.

Finding a UNC Wi-Fi zone

In order to get connected to the UNC network via Wi-Fi, your machine must be within a UNC Wi-Fi zone. Wi-Fi access is not available everywhere on the UNC campus. However, many classrooms and campus gathering places are covered. See our Wi-Fi Access Point Locations document for specifics.

Also, see our list of Wireless and Wi-Fi Best Practices and FAQs.

If you need assistance with these instructions, contact us via one of the Other ITS Help Options.