Connect Android and Linux Devices to Bowdoin or eduroam Wi-Fi

Questions

  • How do I connect my Android phone to campus Wi-Fi?
  • How do I join eduroam on an Android device?
  • How do I connect to the BOWDOIN wireless network on Android?
  • How do I connect a Linux computer to Bowdoin Wi-Fi?
  • How do I connect Ubuntu to eduroam?
  • What EAP settings do I need for campus Wi-Fi on Android or Linux?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff connecting an Android phone or a Linux computer to campus Wi-Fi. Android and Linux are personal, best-effort supported devices at Bowdoin — the Service Desk can provide guidance but may have limited ability to troubleshoot specific device configurations.

Bowdoin provides four wireless networks:

  • eduroam and BOWDOIN — For Bowdoin students, faculty, staff, and emeriti. eduroam also works for guests from other participating institutions.
  • BOWDOIN-GUEST — For campus visitors without a Bowdoin account. Provides internet access only.
  • BOWDOIN-PSK — For devices that cannot connect to enterprise wireless, such as gaming consoles. Requires registration.

Resolution

Credential tip: For eduroam, enter your full Bowdoin email address as your username (e.g., jdoe@bowdoin.edu). For BOWDOIN, enter only your Bowdoin username (e.g., jdoe). Your password is the same for both networks.

Android

  1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi (or swipe down and tap the Wi-Fi icon in quick settings).
  2. Tap eduroam or BOWDOIN from the list of available networks. If you were previously connected to this network, tap and hold the network name and choose Forget network before reconnecting.
  3. Set the following options in the advanced connection screen:
    • EAP method: PEAP
    • Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPV2
    • CA Certificate: Try the following options in order, based on what your device shows: Trust on first use (tap Trust if prompted) → Use system certificates → Do not validate
    • Domain: bowdoin.edu
  4. Under Identity, enter your username (e.g., jdoe@bowdoin.edu for eduroam, or jdoe for BOWDOIN).
  5. Leave Anonymous identity blank.
  6. Enter your Bowdoin password.
  7. If available, set MAC address type to Use device MAC under Advanced settings.
  8. Tap Connect.

Linux (Ubuntu and other distributions)

The steps below use the NetworkManager graphical interface, which is included by default in Ubuntu and most other major Linux distributions.

  1. Click the network icon in the system menu bar and select eduroam or BOWDOIN from the list of available networks.
  2. In the authentication dialog, set the following:
    • Authentication: Protected EAP (PEAP)
    • Anonymous identity: Leave blank
    • CA certificate: Select (None) or No CA certificate is required
    • PEAP version: Automatic
    • Inner authentication: MSCHAPv2
    • Username: Your Bowdoin username (e.g., jdoe@bowdoin.edu for eduroam, or jdoe for BOWDOIN)
    • Password: Your Bowdoin password
  3. Click Connect.
Command-line alternative: If you prefer using the terminal, you can configure the connection using nmcli or by editing the NetworkManager connection files directly. Contact the Service Desk if you need assistance with this approach.

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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