Wireless network change June 16 may require some updates

A change to some campus wireless networks on Thursday, June 16, may require some computer, smartphone and tablet users on campus to take action before they can to reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. that day, Information Services will switch to a new system for the UO Secure wireless network. UO Secure is the secure wireless network intended for daily use by UO students, faculty and staff.

The university is switching systems as part of a larger network streamlining project.

Patrick Chinn of Information Services said the first time people try connecting to UO Secure after the change, they may be asked re-enter their username and password or to trust a new certificate. After doing that, people should be able to connect to the internet.

However, on some devices — particularly some Macs, iPhones and iPads — users may get an "authentication failed" error. If that happens, users should go to the campus secure wireless setup website and walk through the steps to update the device's wireless configuration for UO Secure.

“We don't want people to be caught off-guard with this update,” Chinn said. “We planned this for a time when most students would be gone and campus would be quieter, so we hope it won't disrupt the campus workflow too much.”

This change will also affect the eduroam network, which provides convenient wireless access for visitors from other campuses.

Anyone with questions should contact the Technology Service Desk at 541-346-HELP (541-346-4357) or techdesk@uoregon.edu.