Smart Devices and the University Network

Most household and consumer wireless devices do not support the authentication process used by ‘NCU-Secure’. However, some devices are designed around being on a household network to operate properly, and do not work well on a large campus network where thousands of devices are connected at one time – and one device is trying to find one another to send data to it.

Devices that are known to work

Gaming Consoles

  • PlayStation 3/4/5
  • Nintendo WiiU/3DS, Nintendo Switch 
  • Xbox (all models)

Streaming Devices

  • Roku
  • Apple TV

Other devices that connect directly to the internet for content delivery. 

Devices that may work or will work in a limited capacity

  • Amazon Echo devices
  • Google Home devices
  • Facebook Portal

Unsupported devices

  • Chromecast
  • Wireless Printers
  • Nintendo Wii
    • The Nintendo Wii is not capable of connecting to our wireless network;  it requires a 1Mb/s data rate to connect, which has a negative impact on other wireless connectivity. You will need to purchase a 'LAN Adapter' to connect a Wii to the wired network jack in your room.
  • Devices that require an app on your phone to configure or control it. Examples of such devices:
    • Google Chromecast
    • Vizio SmartCast TVs
    • Some Samsung TVs
    • WiFi speakers (i.e. SONOS) 
    • Smart Plugs

Prohibited devices

  • Wireless routers, gateways, and access points
  • Wired routers or gateways
  • Any other devices that attempt to augment, modify, or interfere with the North Central network.
  • Switches, Netgears, Splitters, etc.

Need assistance?

If you need assistance, please submit an IT service request. 

Print Article

Related Articles (3)

Finding the MAC Address of Your Smart Device
To make use of the university's network, your device needs to have its MAC addressed registered with IT. Follow the steps on this article to find your device's MAC address.
How To: Connect a Smart Device to NCU WiFi
This can include any devices such as gaming devices, smart tv's, entertainment devices like Playstations, Xbox, etc. These devices, if supported, must be onboarded to the network in a specific way.
Technology Recommendations for Students
Recommended devices and technologies for students for on-campus use.

Related Services / Offerings (2)

Network Device Registration
MAC Address registration for wireless connections is only available for media and other devices (smart, game consoles, etc.) All wired device require device registration.
University Networks (Wireless & Wired)
North Central University offers wired and wireless connectivity to employees, students, and guests. If you have issues, please report issues via this service request.