Connect to Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in all campus buildings and many green spaces.

Which Wi-Fi Should I Join?

Our four wireless networks are designed for different populations and devices:

  • Preferred Wi-Fi for students, faculty and staff
  • For mobile phones, laptops and tablets
  • Requires Falcon Key credentials
  • Fast and Secure
  • Compatible only with WiFi 6E devices*
    *See "What devices are compatible with WiFi 6E?" in the Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of this page for a list of compatible devices.
  • Requires Falcon Key credentials
  • Wi-Fi for devices that do not support entering a username and password
  • Examples: gaming consoles, Smart TVs, and streaming devices
  • Pre-register your device’s MAC address at the Self-Registration page. Log in with your Falcon Key credentials
  • Wi-Fi for visitors at the University
  • Internet access only
  • Available in limited areas, see Wireless Map (PDF) for locations
  • No login required

Note: The university does not sanction or support other Wi-Fi networks.

How do I connect my device to FSUwifi?

  1. Click the Network Icon in your Task Bar to open the Connections Window
    Image showing the "Network Icon" in the "Task Bar".
  2. Select FSUwifi from the list
    Note: The Wi-Fi button will be blue if Wi-Fi is enabled. Enable your Wi-Fi if it isn't.
    Image showing an arrow pointing to FSUwifi in the list of wireless networks.
  3. Enter your Falcon Key and click OK
    Image showing screen where you enter your Falcon Key.

Note: If a message appears, which refers to either trusting the connection or asking if you wish to proceed with connecting, please select to trust the certificate and connect.

  1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner
  2. If your Wi-Fi is off, turn Wi-Fi on and then select FSUwifi from the list.
    Screenshot showing the wireless icon in the menu bar with an arrow pointing to a switch used for turning Wi-Fi on and off and the Preferred Network FSUwifi circled

    Note: If you don't see the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Network. Select Wi-Fi in the sidebar, then select "Show Wi-Fi status in menu bar."

  3. Enter your Falcon Key and click Join
    Screenshot showing the window where you enter your Falcon Key.
  4. Click Continue to Verify Certificate.
    Screenshot of dialog box with the message "Authenticating to network "FSUwifi" Before authenticating to server "secure.fitchburgstate.edu", you should examine the server's certificate to ensure that it is appropriate for this network. To view the certificate, click 'Show Certificate.'

Note: If any other message appears, which refers to either trusting the connection or asking if you wish to proceed with connecting, please select to trust the certificate and connect.

  1. In Settings select Wi-Fi
  2. If your Wi-Fi is off, Turn Wi-Fi On then select FSUwifi from the list
    Image showing where to turn on Wi-Fi in Settings.
  3. Enter your Falcon Key and select Join
    Image showing the screen where you enter your Falcon Key.
  4. Select Trust to trust the certificate
    Image with an arrow pointing to the Trust button you click to trust the certificate.

Below are two different ways to connect your Android device to FSUwifi depending on your phone software version.

Option 1

Android 11 with Dec. 2020 security update

  1. Enter the domain fitchburgstate.edu
  2. Enter your Falcon Key
  3. Verify the other settings are configured as shown in the screenshot:
    1. EAP method: PEAP
    2. Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPV2
    3. CA certificate: Use system certificates
    4. Online certificate status: Request certificate status
  4. Tap Connect

Screenshot showing Android FSUwifi settings

Option 2

  1. EAP method should be PEAP
  2. If prompted for ‘Phase 2 authentication’ enter MSCHAPV2
  3. CA certificate: Do not validate
  4. If prompted for ‘Anonymous identity’, leave blank
  5. Enter your Falcon Key
  6. Click Connect

Screenshot showing the alternate setup configuration: ‘Phase 2 authentication’: MSCHAPV2,…
  1. Select FSUwifi
  2. Security: EAP
  3. EAP method: PEAP
  4. EAP Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPv2
  5. Server CA Certificate: Do not check
  6. Domain suffix match: fitchburgstate.edu (Disregard this if this option is unavailable on your Chromebooks)
  7. Enter your Falcon Key credentials in the Identity and Password fields.

Chromebook Wi-Fi Settings

Chromebook Wi-Fi Settings

Please update your Chromebook if it is not running the latest software. Some Chromebooks do not meet the minimum security requirements to connect to FSUwifi. In such cases, connecting the device to IOT WiFi is a good alternative.

How do I connect my device to IOT?

Before you can connect your device to the IOT network you'll need to register your device's wireless MAC address. This is a unique 12 character alphanumeric value, separated into character pairs. An example of a MAC address is 00:01:C3:EF:C0:1A .

Your device may have multiple MAC addresses, you'll need the wireless (or Wi-Fi) Mac address to connect to IOT.

Microsoft Consoles

  1. Press the Menu button on your controller
  2. Navigate to the Settings page
  3. Select Network
  4. Select Set up wireless network
    Image showing the "Set up wireless network" button in "Settings" on the…
  5. Select IOT from the list of networks
  6. When you see the "Additional authentication needed." message, select Authenticate now
    Image showing the "Authenticate now" button.
  7. Enter your Falcon Key
  8. Check the box to accept Fitchburg State's Terms and Conditions
  1. Select Dashboard
  2. Select System Settings
  3. Select Network Settings
  4. Select the name of your wireless network
  5. Select Configure Network
  6. On the Additional Settings tab, select Advanced Settings
  7. Make a note of the MAC Address at the bottom of the screen
    Image showing the MAC Address on the "Advanced Settings" page.
  8. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section

Sony Consoles

  1. From the PS3 Main Menu:
  2. Select Settings
  3. Select System Settings
  4. Select System Information
    Image showing the "System Information" button on the "System Information" page.
  5. Make a note of the MAC Address on this screen
  6. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. From the PS4 Main Menu:
  2. Select Settings
  3. Select System
  4. Select System Information
  5. Make a note of the MAC Address Wi-Fi listed
    Image showing the MAC Address (Wi-Fi) on the "System Information" page.
  6. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. On the Vita Home Screen:
  2. Select Settings
  3. Select Start
  4. Swipe up on the screen to scroll down
  5. Select System
  6. Select System Information
  7. Make a note of the MAC Address on this screen
    Image showing the MAC Address on the "System Information" page.
  8. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section

Nintendo Consoles and Handhelds

  1. From the Switch Menu:
  2. Select System Settings
  3. Select Internet
  4. Select Internet Settings
  5. Select IOT from the list of networks
    Image showing the IOT network in the list.
  6. When you see the "Registration is required to use this network." message, select Next (see screenshot)
    Image showing the "Registration is required to use this network" message.
  7. Enter your Falcon Key
  8. Check the box to accept Fitchburg State's Terms and Conditions
  1. From the Home menu:
  2. Highlight and select the System Settings icon
  3. Select Internet Settings
  4. Select Other Information
  5. Select Confirm MAC Address
    Image showing the "Confirm MAC Address" button.
  6. Make a note of the MAC Address when it is displayed
  7. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. From the Wii Channel menu:
  2. Select Wii Settings (the round button on the bottom-left of the screen with "Wii" on it)
  3. Select Internet
    Image showing the "Internet" button on the "Wii System Settings" page.
  4. Select Console Settings
  5. Make a note of the MAC Address displayed on the first line
  6. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. From the Wii U Menu:
  2. Select System Settings and press the A Button
  3. Using the Left Stick select the Internet icon
  4. Select View MAC Address
    Image showing the "View MAC Address" button on the "Internet" page.
  5. Make a note of the MAC Address when it is displayed
  6. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section

Streaming Devices

  1. Download the Amazon Alexa app.
  2. Sign in to your Amazon account.
  3. Make sure your phone is connected to the wireless network shared with your Echo Dot.
  4. Scroll down to the bottom of the Echo Setup screen, where you should find the MAC.

You can also find the Echo Dot MAC address under the settings page:

  1. Open the Alexa app.
  2. Select the top left navigation menu.
  3. Choose Settings.
  4. Select Device Settings.
  5. Select Echo Dot from the list.
  6. Scroll down to the bottom and choose About.
  7. The address should be listed at the bottom of the screen. It will be 12 characters long.
  8. Make a note of the MAC Address
  9. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. From the Home Screen:
  2. Scroll to and select Settings
  3. Scroll further to the right and select Device
  4. Select About
  5. Scroll down to Network
  6. Make a note of the MAC Address on the bottom right of the menu
  7. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section

Visit the Help Desk for assistance connecting your Home Pod.

  1. From the Main Menu:
  2. Select Settings
  3. Select About
  4. Make a note of the Wireless ID—this is the MAC Address needed for registration
  5. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section

Alternate method: The Apple TV Ethernet and Wireless network MAC addresses can be found on the UPC label on the Apple TV box. 

  1. Open the Chromecast app on your computer in one of these locations:
    • Chromecast shortcut on your desktop
    • Windows: Start Menu
    • macOS: Applications
  2. Click Settings
  3. Make a note of the MAC Address in the bottom left corner
  4. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. Ensure you have the Google Home application installed on your smartphone or mobile device.
  2. Open the application and set up your Google Home.
  3. To obtain the MAC Address, click the three lines on the top left inside the application.
  4. Select Devices, and then select your Google Home.
  5. Click on Settings, scroll down to information, and your MAC Address should be shown.
  6. Make a note of the MAC Address
  7. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. Open Google Home App
  2. Tap on plus that says “Add”
  3. Underneath Add to home tap on “Set up device”
  4. Underneath New Devices tap on “Set up new devices in your home”
  5. Tap and make sure “Home” is check or whatever home name you want
  6. Tap “Next”
  7. (Make sure the Mini is on) It will proceed to look for the Google Home Mini and eventually connect saying “Google Home Mini found”
  8. It will say “Would you like to set up this device?” tap on “Yes”
  9. It will then connect to the mini and say “Connecting to Google Home Mini…”
  10. The Google Mini will make a jingle sound asking “Did you hear the sound”
  11. Tap on “Yes”
  12. It will say “Help improve Google Home Mini” it’s up to you if you want to, tap on “No Thanks” or “Yes, I’m in”
  13. It will say “Where is this device”, set it to the location where you want want it and then tap “Next”
  14. It will say “Connect to Wi-Fi” here you will tap on the top right corner on the 3 vertical dots.
  15. A drop-down menu will show and read “Submit feedback report” and “Show MAC address” tap on “Show MAC address”
  16. A window will pop on the center of your screen with the google Home mini’s MAC address.
  17. Make a note of the MAC Address
  18. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. Find your MAC Address in one of these locations:
    • On the bottom or back on your Roku player (depending upon model)
    • From the Roku Home Screen:
      Select Settings > About
      Make a note of the MAC Address when it is displayed
  2. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section
  1. Find your MAC Address
    • Most MAC Addresses will be visible in the Settings Menu, under Network or About
    • If you need more specific information, check with the manufacturer for instructions on how to find the MAC Address for your specific model.
  2. Follow the steps in the Self-Registration section

Self-Registration (IOT only)

  1. In a browser, visit the Self-Registration page (on campus only).
  2. Sign in with your Falcon Key
  3. Click Add (see screenshot).
    Image showing the "Add" button you click to register your device.
  4. Enter your registration info:
    • Your username
    • MAC address with or without the colons (e.g. 001122abcde1 OR 00:11:22:ab:cd:e1)
    • A description of your device
    Image showing the registration info screen.
  5. Click Submit

How Do I Connect My Phone to My Device on IOT?

Many IOT devices use a mobile app to set up and operate the device. This requires both the phone and the IOT device to be on the same wireless network. You can connect and register your phone on the IOT network, enabling you to use your phone with your IOT device.
  1. Select IOT in the list of wireless networks.
  2. Open a web browser and browse a few websites until you're redirected to the network registration page. Login with your Falcon Key.
    Screenshot showing the registration page login screen.
  3. Fill out the network registration form:
    • Enter your contact info.
    • Accept the Acceptable Use Policy by clicking the check box.
    • Click Complete Registration.

    Screenshot showing the page where you enter your registration info and accept the Acceptable Use…
  4. You'll see this message during the security scan of your phone.
    Screenshot showing the screen displayed during the security scan.
  5. When you see this message, your phone is connected to the IOT network.
    Screenshot showing the screen that appears when your device is connected to the IOT network.

How Do I Keep My Computer Safe and Secure?

Once you're connected, please follow the recommendations on the Antivirus and Computer Maintenance page to secure your system. Tip: To beat the back-to-school rush, follow these steps before you arrive on campus.

The Help Desk is available to help you get your system connected and encourages everyone to be safe in the Internet and network environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Microsoft Windows

  1. Left click the wireless symbol. Located in the bottom right of your screen.
  2. Right click the network you would like to forget and click forget.

iPhone

  1. Open your iPhone settings.
  2. Tap on Wi-Fi.
  3. Open the network you wish to forget.
  4. Click on Forget This Network at the top of the page.

Android

  1. Open your android settings.
  2. Tap “Network & internet”.
  3. In the "Network & internet" menu, tap "Wi-Fi."
  4. Find the Wi-Fi network you want to forget, and then tap the "Settings" button to the right of it.
  5. Directly, under the name of the network, tap the trashcan icon labeled "Forget" to forget the network.

Apple macOS

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right of the Mac menu bar.
  2. Select Open Network Preferences.
  3. Click Advanced…
  4. Click a network in the list to select it. (To select multiple networks, hold the Command key while clicking them.) You can also drag networks higher up the list to prioritize them over other local networks.
  5. Click the minus (“-“) icon below the list to forget the selected network.

Personal Computers

Microsoft Windows

  1. Go to your start menu and search for “Command Prompt”, Run program
  2. Type ipconfig /all and press enter.
  3. Your wireless MAC will be listed under “Wireless LAN Adapter Wi-Fi” next to Physical Address.

Apple macOS

  1. Click the Apple button in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Preferences.
  2. Select Network in the System Preferences menu.
  3. Select Ethernet/Wired or Wi-Fi. Select MAC address from the list on the left side of the Network window, and then click Advanced.
  4. Click the Hardware tab. The MAC address will then be listed.

Google Chromebook

  1. At the bottom right, select the time.
  2. Select the Wi-Fi network.
  3. At the top of the box, select Information.
  4. You will see your Chromebook's IP address and wireless MAC address. Your MAC address is labeled "Wi-Fi."

Smart Home Devices

Amazon Echo

  1. In the Alexa app, open the left navigation panel and then select Settings.
  2. Select your device and then Update Wi-Fi. If you are adding a new device to your account, select Set up a new device instead.
  3. Press and hold the Action button on the Echo until the light ring changes to orange. Your mobile device will then connect to your Echo device. A list of available Wi-Fi networks appear in the app.
  4. You can find your MAC address at the bottom of this screen.

Amazon Fire TV

  1. Plug in your Amazon Fire TV stick into your TV
  2. If this is the first time using this Fire TV device, you can find your wireless MAC at the far right of the wireless setup screen. Otherwise, navigate to Settings > System > About > Network and the wireless MAC address will be listed.

Android

The specific instructions for finding the MAC address of an Android device may vary slightly based on the manufacturer.

Android Pie (9.0)

  1. Open settings.
  2. Select about Phone/Tablet (you may need to select “System” before being able to find this option). Tap Status.
  3. The MAC address will appear under Wi-Fi MAC address.

Android Oreo (8.0) or older

  1. Open the settings app.
  2. Tap Connections, Wireless & Networks, or About Device. (on some devices these may be headings in the general Settings app.)
  3. Tap Wi-Fi to open Wi-Fi settings (some devices might instead call it WLAN) or Hardware Info.
  4. Press the Menu key and choose Advanced. Your device’s wireless adapter’s MAC address should be visible here.

Apple iOS

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select General > About.
  3. The wireless MAC address will be listed next to Wi-Fi Address.

Apple TV

For Wireless MAC address:

  1. Go to Settings > Network. The wireless MAC Address will be found at the bottom.

Google Home

  1. Ensure you have the Google Home application installed on your smartphone or mobile device.
  2. Open the application and set up your Google Home.
  3. To obtain the MAC Address, click the three lines on the top left inside the application.
  4. Select Devices, and then select your Google Home.
  5. Click on Settings, scroll down to information, and your MAC Address should be revealed.

Microsoft Windows Phone

  1. On the main Windows phone screen, swipe left and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings screen, select About > more info.
  3. The MAC address will be listed under phone information.

Gaming Devices

Nintendo Switch

  1. From the Home menu, select System Settings
  2. Select Internet
  3. View System MAC address

Nintendo Wii U

  1. From the Wii U menu, select System Settings
  2. Select Internet
  3. Select View MAC address

Nintendo Wii

  1. From the main Wii Menu select the Wii Options button (bottom left corner).
  2. Select Wii Settings.
  3. Select the right arrow to move to the second page of system settings.
  4. Select Internet.
  5. Select Console Information.
  6. On this screen, you will see the MAC Address.

Nintendo DS

  1. From within, a Wi-Fi enabled game, go to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Setup in the game’s menu.
  2. Select Options.
  3. Select System Information.
  4. The MAC address is displayed on the top line.

Xbox One

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select Network
  3. Select Advanced Settings

Xbox 360

  1. Go to the System area of the Xbox Dashboard and select Network Settings.
  2. Select Edit Settings.
  3. From Additional Settings, select Advanced Settings.

Xbox

  1. Power on the Xbox with no disc in the tray.
  2. Go to the Xbox Dashboard.
  3. Choose Xbox Live.
  4. Go to the Connect Status screen.
  5. Select Settings.

PlayStation Vita

  1. Open the Settings and tap Start
  2. Tap System
  3. Tap System Information
  4. The MAC is on this screen

PlayStation 4

  1. Power up the PlayStation 4 without a disc in the drive.
  2. Once the PlayStation 4 operating system has loaded, select Settings.
  3. Select the System option under the Settings menu
  4. Select System Information

PlayStation 3

  1. Power up the PlayStation 3 without a disc in the drive.
  2. Once the PlayStation 3 operating system has loaded, select Settings.
  3. Once you are in Settings select Network Settings.
  4. Select Connection Status List.

iPhone

  1. Open the Settings on your iPhone and then tap Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the information button next to your network.
  3. Turn off Private Address.
  4. Re-join the network.

Android

  1. Open the settings.
  2. Tap Network & internet -> Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the gear icon associated with your network.
  4. Tap MAC address type.
  5. Tap Phone MAC.
  6. Re-join the network.

Windows

  1. Select the start button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
  2. Select the gear icon to go to settings.
  3. Select network & internet.
  4. Select Wi-Fi.
  5. Set use random hardware addresses to off.

FSUwifi6 is a new wireless network operating exclusively on the 6GHz wireless band and adhering to the WiFi 6E standards. This translates to faster and more secure connectivity. It's essential to note that FSUwifi6 is exclusively compatible with devices that support WiFi 6E technology.

Key Features of FSUwifi6

Enhanced Bandwidth

FSUwifi6 operates on the 6GHz band, providing a substantial increase in bandwidth compared to the FSUwifi 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. This expanded bandwidth empowers WiFi 6e devices to transmit data at significantly faster speeds, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like 4K and 8K video streaming, online gaming, and virtual and augmented reality.

Reduced Interference

The 6GHz band also offers the advantage of minimal interference, unlike the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This translates to fewer interruptions and a more dependable connection, even in densely populated areas with numerous devices.

Enhanced Security

FSUwifi6 incorporates advanced security protocols, reinforcing the protection of your data and ensuring the confidentiality of your online activities. Your online experience is now more secure than ever.

Note: In accordance with FCC regulations, we are unable to activate FSUwifi6 on the outdoor access points that cover green spaces such as the quad, however, you do have the alternative to switch to FSUwifi.

If your device is WiFi 6E compatible, you can see the "FSUwifi6" network in your available WiFi networks list. Use the same settings that you normally use for connecting to FSUwifi.

To ascertain your device's compatibility with WiFi 6E, we recommend consulting your device's specifications or visiting the manufacturer's website. As of September 2023, the following devices have been confirmed to be compatible with WiFi 6E.

Apple

  • MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023) or MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023)
  • Mac mini (2023)
  • Mac Studio (2023)
  • Mac Pro (2023)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) or iPad Pro 12.9 inch (6th generation)

Android

Manufacturer: Samsung

  • Galaxy S21 Ultra
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra
  • Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G

Manufacturer: Google

  • Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro
  • Pixel 6A
  • Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro

Other Devices with Wi-Fi 6E

  • Motorola Edge 2021
  • Motorola Edge 2022
  • Moto Razr 2022
  • Motorola Edge 30, Edge 30 Ultra, Edge 30 Pro, Edge 30 Fusion

For Windows 11 laptops/PCs that do not have a built-in WiFi 6E adapter, we recommend using the Netgear WiFi 6E USB Adapter to connect to FSUwifi6.