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Connecting to OSU Wi-Fi: A Definitive Guide

Connecting to the OSU (Ohio State University) Wi-Fi network is a crucial step for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to access the internet on campus. Simply put, there are two primary OSU Wi-Fi networks: osuwireless and eduroam. osuwireless is primarily for students, faculty, and staff. Connect to osuwireless, then open a web browser to be redirected to the authentication page. Log in with your Ohio State Username (lastname.#) and password. eduroam is a secure, worldwide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community. To connect to eduroam, select the eduroam network in your device’s Wi-Fi settings and enter your full Ohio State email address (lastname.#@osu.edu) as the username and your Ohio State password. Follow the specific instructions for your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS) outlined below for a smooth connection.

Detailed Connection Instructions

The connection process varies slightly depending on your device’s operating system. Here’s a breakdown for the most common platforms:

Connecting on Windows

Locate the Wi-Fi Icon: In the system tray (usually the bottom right corner of your screen), find the Wi-Fi icon.
Select the Network: Click the Wi-Fi icon. A list of available networks will appear. Choose either osuwireless or eduroam. If selecting osuwireless, proceed to step 5. If selecting eduroam, proceed to step 3.
Connect to eduroam: Click “Connect” to join eduroam. You may be prompted for credentials.
Enter Credentials: Enter your full Ohio State email address (lastname.#@osu.edu) as the username and your Ohio State password.
Connect to osuwireless: Click “Connect” to join osuwireless.
Open Web Browser: Launch any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
Authentication Page: You will be automatically redirected to the osuwireless authentication page. If you are not automatically redirected, type “wifi.osu.edu” into the address bar.
Log In: Enter your Ohio State Username (lastname.#) and password.
Accept Terms: Review and accept the terms of service (if presented).
Connected! You should now be connected to the OSU Wi-Fi.

Connecting on macOS

Locate the Wi-Fi Icon: In the menu bar (usually the top right corner of your screen), find the Wi-Fi icon.
Select the Network: Click the Wi-Fi icon. A list of available networks will appear. Choose either osuwireless or eduroam. If selecting osuwireless, proceed to step 5. If selecting eduroam, proceed to step 3.
Connect to eduroam: Click “Connect” to join eduroam. You may be prompted for credentials.
Enter Credentials: Enter your full Ohio State email address (lastname.#@osu.edu) as the username and your Ohio State password.
Connect to osuwireless: Click “Connect” to join osuwireless.
Open Web Browser: Launch any web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
Authentication Page: You will be automatically redirected to the osuwireless authentication page. If you are not automatically redirected, type “wifi.osu.edu” into the address bar.
Log In: Enter your Ohio State Username (lastname.#) and password.
Accept Terms: Review and accept the terms of service (if presented).
Connected! You should now be connected to the OSU Wi-Fi.

Connecting on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Open Settings: Tap the “Settings” app on your home screen.
Select Wi-Fi: Tap “Wi-Fi.”
Choose a Network: Select either osuwireless or eduroam. If selecting osuwireless, proceed to step 6. If selecting eduroam, proceed to step 4.
Connect to eduroam: Tap on eduroam. You may be prompted for credentials.
Enter Credentials: Enter your full Ohio State email address (lastname.#@osu.edu) as the username and your Ohio State password.
Connect to osuwireless: Tap on osuwireless. You will be prompted to enter credentials.
Open Web Browser: Launch any web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.).
Authentication Page: You will be automatically redirected to the osuwireless authentication page. If you are not automatically redirected, type “wifi.osu.edu” into the address bar.
Log In: Enter your Ohio State Username (lastname.#) and password.
Accept Terms: Review and accept the terms of service (if presented).
Connected! You should now be connected to the OSU Wi-Fi.

Connecting on Android

Open Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your device. This is commonly represented by a gear or cog icon.
Select Wi-Fi: Tap on “Wi-Fi” or “Network & Internet” and then “Wi-Fi”.
Choose a Network: Select either osuwireless or eduroam. If selecting osuwireless, proceed to step 6. If selecting eduroam, proceed to step 4.
Connect to eduroam: Tap on eduroam. You may be prompted for additional configurations. If so, use the following settings:
- EAP method: PEAP
- Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPV2
- CA certificate: Use system certificates (or “Do not validate”)
- Identity: your full Ohio State email address (lastname.#@osu.edu)
- Password: your Ohio State password
Connect to osuwireless: Tap on osuwireless. You will be prompted to enter credentials.
Open Web Browser: Launch any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
Authentication Page: You will be automatically redirected to the osuwireless authentication page. If you are not automatically redirected, type “wifi.osu.edu” into the address bar.
Log In: Enter your Ohio State Username (lastname.#) and password.
Accept Terms: Review and accept the terms of service (if presented).
Connected! You should now be connected to the OSU Wi-Fi.

Connecting on ChromeOS

Open Settings: Click the system tray in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Select Wi-Fi: Click the Wi-Fi icon.
Choose a Network: Select either osuwireless or eduroam. If selecting osuwireless, proceed to step 6. If selecting eduroam, proceed to step 4.
Connect to eduroam: Click on eduroam. You may be prompted for credentials. If so, use the following settings:
- EAP method: PEAP
- Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPV2
- Server CA certificate: Do not check
- User certificate: None installed
- Identity: your full Ohio State email address (lastname.#@osu.edu)
- Password: your Ohio State password
Connect to osuwireless: Click on osuwireless. You will be prompted to enter credentials.
Open Web Browser: Launch any web browser.
Authentication Page: You will be automatically redirected to the osuwireless authentication page. If you are not automatically redirected, type “wifi.osu.edu” into the address bar.
Log In: Enter your Ohio State Username (lastname.#) and password.
Accept Terms: Review and accept the terms of service (if presented).
Connected! You should now be connected to the OSU Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot common issues and understand the OSU Wi-Fi network better:

1. What’s the difference between osuwireless and eduroam?

osuwireless is the primary Wi-Fi network designed for daily use by OSU students, faculty, and staff on campus. It requires a one-time login through a web browser. eduroam is a secure, worldwide roaming access service for research and education institutions. OSU users can use their OSU credentials to connect to eduroam networks at participating institutions globally, and visitors from participating institutions can connect to eduroam at OSU using their home institution’s credentials. eduroam uses more secure encryption and typically offers a more stable connection for OSU faculty, staff, and students visiting other institutions.

2. Why can’t I connect to osuwireless even after entering my credentials?

Several factors can prevent you from connecting. Double-check that you’re entering your Ohio State Username (lastname.#), not your full email address. Also, ensure your password is correct and that you’ve accepted the terms of service on the authentication page. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, and try again. If issues persist, contact the OSU IT Service Desk.

3. My internet connection is slow. What can I do?

Network congestion can sometimes cause slow speeds, especially during peak hours. Try moving to a less crowded area. If you’re using osuwireless, consider switching to eduroam, which might provide a more stable connection. Close any unnecessary applications consuming bandwidth.

4. Do I have to log in every time I connect to osuwireless?

No. Your device should remember your login credentials for osuwireless for a certain period. However, you might be prompted to log in again after a password change or if you clear your browser’s cache and cookies.

5. Is there a guest Wi-Fi network available?

Yes, OSU provides a guest Wi-Fi network, usually named OSU_GUEST. This network is intended for visitors and does not require an OSU username or password. However, it may have limited bandwidth and access restrictions.

6. I changed my OSU password. Do I need to update my Wi-Fi settings?

Yes. After changing your Ohio State password, you must update your Wi-Fi settings on all your devices to reflect the new password for both osuwireless and eduroam, if applicable.

7. Can I connect multiple devices to OSU Wi-Fi with the same account?

Yes, you can connect multiple devices to the OSU Wi-Fi network using the same account. However, be mindful of bandwidth usage, as excessive usage across multiple devices may affect the overall connection speed.

8. What security measures should I take when using OSU Wi-Fi?

Always use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication (if available for your OSU account), and keep your device’s operating system and antivirus software up to date. Be cautious about accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

9. I’m an OSU alum. Can I still access OSU Wi-Fi?

Alumni access to OSU Wi-Fi is typically limited. While some alumni benefits may include limited network access for specific events, a standard alumni account will usually not grant continuous access to osuwireless or eduroam. Consider using the OSU_GUEST network if available.

10. How do I forget or remove the OSU Wi-Fi network from my device?

The steps to forget a Wi-Fi network vary slightly depending on your operating system. On most devices, go to your Wi-Fi settings, find the osuwireless or eduroam network in the list of saved networks, and select the option to “Forget” or “Remove” the network.

11. What should I do if I suspect someone is using my OSU account to access the Wi-Fi?

If you suspect unauthorized access to your OSU account, immediately change your password and contact the OSU IT Service Desk. Report the incident and provide any relevant details.

12. Where can I find more help and support for connecting to OSU Wi-Fi?

The OSU IT Service Desk is your primary resource for Wi-Fi-related support. Visit their website (is.osu.edu), call their helpline, or visit them in person at one of their service locations. They can provide troubleshooting assistance and answer any specific questions you may have.