Questions
- How do you register a game console, smart TV, Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Echo for Bowdoin wireless?
- How do you connect a device to the BOWDOIN-PSK network?
- Is there a limit to the number of devices you can register?
- What should you do if your device registration expires?
Environment
Many consumer devices (such as gaming consoles, streaming devices, and smart home products) cannot connect to enterprise wireless networks that use WPA2-Enterprise or 802.1X authentication. To support these devices, Bowdoin provides a dedicated wireless network called BOWDOIN-PSK.
BOWDOIN-PSK uses a device-specific password for each registered device. This network is only for devices that cannot use Bowdoin’s standard secure wireless network. Do not use BOWDOIN-PSK for computers, phones, tablets, or any device that supports 802.1X authentication. Devices found on the wrong network will be removed.
There is no set limit to the number of devices you can register, but some devices may not be compatible.
Resolution
Important: If you previously connected your device to the Bowdoin Guest network, you must have it removed before registering it for BOWDOIN-PSK. You will need the device’s WiFi MAC address to do this. If the device is not removed first, registration for BOWDOIN-PSK will not work correctly.
- Open a web browser and go to bowdoin-psk.bowdoin.edu.
- Sign in with your Bowdoin email address and password. This site uses Single Sign-On (SSO), so you may already be signed in.
- Select Create.
- Enter your device’s WiFi MAC address.
- If you need to complete initial setup on the device to find the MAC address, choose the Private Network option during setup (not the Guest Network).
- Enter a descriptive name for the device, such as “Alex’s PlayStation 5,” so you can easily identify it later.
- Select Create to complete the registration.
- Check your Bowdoin email for a message containing the device details and its unique wireless password.
- You can also print the registration details from the portal if needed.
- You will not be able to view the password again in the portal. Save the email. If you lose the password, return to the portal and generate a new one.
- On your device, select the wireless network named BOWDOIN-PSK.
- When prompted, enter the unique password from the registration email.
Your device should now connect to the BOWDOIN-PSK wireless network. If your registration expires in the future, repeat these steps to re-register the device and receive a new password.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.