ITS is preparing to expand the coverage of guest wireless networks (UNC-Guest and UNC-Guest-PSK) on campus.
Currently, the guest Wi-Fi networks are available only on select parts of campus.
To prepare for the expansion, teams in ITS are configuring changes to campus’ guest Wi-Fi networks. These changes, which strengthen the security of University resources, include limiting access to some UNC websites from the guest networks.
These changes do not apply to UNC’s non-guest networks, eduroam and UNC-PSK, which are the recommended networks for UNC students, faculty and staff.
Phased approach
ITS planned these configuration changes for two phases.
ITS completed the first phase on June 4. In this phase, ITS restricted access to some University resources from the guest Wi-Fi networks. These resources included locally hosted file shares and some devices on campus, such as departmental printers.
Phase two starts July 9. Beginning July 9, users connected to UNC guest networks (UNC-Guest and UNC-Guest-PSK) will no longer be able to access some UNC websites, including but not limited to, live.unc.edu, heelmail.unc.edu, office.unc.edu, sharepoint.unc.edu and onedrive.unc.edu.
Users trying to access these sites from the guest networks will be redirected to a block page that encourages them to register with eduroam or UNC-PSK.
Connect to non-guest networks for full access
Current UNC students, faculty and staff should connect to non-guest wireless networks — eduroam or UNC-PSK — for full access to University resources.
UNC-Guest is intended for temporary use by users with no affiliation with the University. The UNC-Guest network is open and unencrypted, like Wi-Fi networks found in public places such as coffee shops.
Eduroam is the preferred network for UNC students, staff and faculty. It provides a secured and encrypted connection to the University’s resources and the internet. UNC-PSK is provided for devices that aren’t compatible with eduroam.
A key part of IT security is ensuring that systems are used for their intended purposes and by the intended users. Limiting access by guests helps strengthen the security of the University and University resources.
If you have questions or need help registering a device, contact the ITS Service Desk.