Unable to setup smart lights or smart switches in a dorm room or office space

Issues

  • I can't set up smart lights in my dorm room.
  • My smart bulbs won't connect to the Bowdoin wireless network.
  • Smart switches or smart plugs aren't working on campus Wi-Fi.
  • Why won't my smart home devices connect in my dorm or office?
  • Can I use a smart light or smart switch on Bowdoin's network?
  • My phone can't find or control my smart bulb on campus — what's wrong?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students living in residence halls and employees in offices who are attempting to use consumer smart home devices on campus.

  • Who: All Bowdoin students and employees
  • What: Consumer smart devices — smart bulbs, smart lights, smart switches, smart plugs, and similar products
  • Also affected: Smart speakers (Google Home, Amazon Echo, etc.) have a similar issue — see Unable to set up Google Home, Google Home Mini, Google Nest Audio in the Related Articles section.

Resolution

Most consumer smart home devices are designed for simple home networks and rely on one or both of the following to function:

  • Direct device-to-device communication on the same network segment
  • Broadcasting data to all devices on the local network

Bowdoin's campus wireless network uses WPA2-Enterprise security, which most consumer electronics cannot join. Additionally, the network is segmented in a way that prevents a phone, tablet, or computer from communicating directly with a smart device — even if both appear to be connected to the same network name.

Smart devices will not work on Bowdoin's network. In most cases, these devices cannot be configured or controlled on campus, regardless of which Bowdoin network they attempt to join.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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