Using the Wireless Network

How to use the secure and unsecured wireless networks (WiFi), once registered to use the wireless network service.

eduroam user names

Please note: you must ensure you use the correct username when configuring your wireless device to connect to the eduroam network. Your eduroam username is your UUN plus "@ed.ac.uk", e.g. "s10987654@ed.ac.uk".

If you do not use the correct username you will not be able to connect to the eduroam network when visiting other member institutions.

Visiting other eduroam institutions

Choice of wireless networks

Two wireless networks are available to you after you have registered.

The secure wireless network, "eduroam" (EDUcation ROAMing). This can take longer to set-up, but your device will connect automatically and securely.
The unsecured wireless network, "central". Someone could eavesdrop on your online activities, and you must log-in each time.

We recommend that you configure your wireless device to connect to the secure wireless network, eduroam.

Using "eduroam" allows you to securely access the internet from any eduroam-enabled institution around the world.

Secure wireless network

To connect using the secure wireless network, eduroam, follow the instructions for the operating system on your device:

Generic settings

There are many other wireless devices which are capable of connecting to the eduroam wireless network, and we cannot provide detailed instructions for every available device.

If we do not provide specific instructions for your wireless device, the generic settings provided will enable configuration of a suitable wireless device to connect to eduroam.

Generic configuration settings

Advanced users may want to know about the technology that is used to secure the wireless network.

Technical aspects of the secure wireless network

Unsecured wireless network

We recommend that you do not access any sensitive information, such as online banking, when you are connected to central.

To connect to the unsecured network:

Start up a web-browser on your device.
Your web-browser will be redirected to the log-in page. If this does not happen, try to go to www.ed.ac.uk.
Log-in using your UUN, and the password you registered with.

It is your responsibility to take steps to ensure that you maintain your own data protection and privacy.

Information Services strongly recommend the use of a VPN client to safeguard the privacy of your data. Information Services also strongly recommend the use of a personal firewall.