Why?

ITS offers an alternative method to connect non-ITS-managed devices to the WPI wireless network. We are improving the user experience in response to community feedback, including that received through the MISO Survey. (Actions) 

Impact

Where certificates are not an option, non-ITS-managed devices can use Pre-Shared Key (PSK)  to connect to wifi. Operating Systems that do not support connecting to Wifi using the hardware MAC address are not compatible with WPI-PSK. Existing registrations and Eduroam still use certificates. PSK does not apply to WPI Guest Wireless. (More below in Details.) 

Action Needed

WPI community members can register devices on the wireless network using the instructions to Connect to the WPI Wireless Network Using a Pre-Shared Key (Related Articles) when wireless certificates cannot be used.

Details

We heard you! In response to community feedback, we are pleased to offer an alternative option, Pre-Shared Key (PSK),  to connect a broader range of devices to WPI wifi. While using certificates is our primary recommended method, PSK  is intended to connect devices that do not support using certificates.

Benefits

  • Some devices which were previously not supported via wireless certificates will be able to join the WPI wireless network using PSK, including robotics equipment, gaming systems, and many off-the-shelf devices that require mobile phone onboarding to connect to the network.
  • PSK does not expire; renewal is not needed.
  • The setup process is simple; it will likely seem familiar to those who connect to a home network.

When to Use PSK

The instructions to Connect to the WPI Wireless Network Using a Pre-Shared Key are in Related Articles. 

  • PSK is for non-ITS-managed devices.
  • Computers and cell phones should be registered on the WPI wireless network using certificates wherever possible. If certificates do not work for these devices, please register using PSK.
  • Devices that are being registered on the WPI wireless network for the first time may use PSK when they cannot use certificates.  Examples include Playstation, Roku, etc.
  • Existing registrations are not impacted, although you may choose to use the new method rather than renewing expired certificates.

Please note that PSK does not apply to:

  • Eduroam use, which still requires certificates
  • WPI Guest Wireless services.
  • Operating Systems that do not support connecting to Wifi using the hardware MAC address are not compatible with WPI-PSK. Examples are iOS 18 and MacOS 15 (Sequoia).