Register Game Consoles for BOWDOIN-PSK

Questions

  • How do I connect my PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch to Bowdoin Wi-Fi?
  • Why won't my game console join the BOWDOIN or eduroam network?
  • How do I register a game console for BOWDOIN-PSK?
  • How do I find the Wi-Fi MAC address on my console?
  • Do I need to register my console if I'm using an Ethernet cable?
  • My console registration expired — how do I re-register?
  • I lost the password from my registration email — how do I get it again?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff who want to connect a gaming console to campus wireless. Gaming consoles cannot connect to the BOWDOIN or eduroam networks because those networks use WPA2-Enterprise authentication, which consoles do not support.

Bowdoin provides a dedicated wireless network called BOWDOIN-PSK for these devices. BOWDOIN-PSK uses a unique device-specific password for each registered device. This article covers:

  • Sony PlayStation 5
  • Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S
  • Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED

For streaming devices and smart speakers such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Amazon Echo, see Register Streaming Devices and Smart Speakers for BOWDOIN-PSK in the Related Articles section.

Ethernet users: Registration is only required for wireless connections. If you are connecting your console to a wall Ethernet port, no registration is needed.
Do not use BOWDOIN-PSK for computers, phones, or tablets. Those devices should connect to eduroam or BOWDOIN instead. Devices found on the wrong network will be removed.

Resolution

Step 1: Find your console's Wi-Fi MAC address

Each console has a unique Wi-Fi Media Access Control (MAC) address — a 12-character identifier made up of numbers and letters separated by colons (for example, A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6). You need this address to register your console. Many consoles list both a wired (Ethernet) and a wireless MAC address — use the wireless one.

  • PlayStation 5: Go to Settings > System > System Software > Console Information. The wireless MAC address is listed there.
  • Xbox One: Go to Settings > Network > Advanced settings. The wireless MAC address is shown on screen.
  • Xbox Series X|S: Go to Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings, then select Wireless MAC address.
  • Nintendo Switch / Switch OLED: Go to System Settings > Internet > Console Information. The wireless MAC address is listed there.
MAC address randomization: Some consoles have a setting that randomizes the MAC address they broadcast. Because BOWDOIN-PSK registration is tied to a specific address, this will prevent the console from connecting even after a successful registration. If your console offers a Use device MAC or similar setting in its network options, make sure it is turned on before registering.

Step 2: Register your console at the BOWDOIN-PSK portal

  1. On a computer or phone, open a web browser and go to bowdoin-psk.bowdoin.edu.
  2. Sign in with your Bowdoin email address and password. The portal uses Single Sign-On (SSO), so you may already be signed in.
  3. Select Create.
  4. Enter your console's Wi-Fi MAC address in the field provided.
  5. Enter a descriptive name for the console (for example, Alex's PlayStation 5) so you can identify it later.
  6. Select Create to complete the registration.
  7. Check your Bowdoin email for a message containing the console's registration details and its unique wireless password. You can also print the details from the portal at this point.
Save your password email. The portal will not display the password again after you leave the page. If you lose the password, return to bowdoin-psk.bowdoin.edu, locate your device registration, and generate a new one.

Step 3: Connect your console to BOWDOIN-PSK

  1. On your console, open the network or Wi-Fi settings and select BOWDOIN-PSK.
  2. Enter the unique password from your registration email when prompted.
  3. Your console should now connect to the BOWDOIN-PSK network.
Do not connect this console to BOWDOIN-GUEST at any time. If a console connects to BOWDOIN-GUEST before or after registering for BOWDOIN-PSK, it will be unable to join BOWDOIN-PSK and will require Service Desk assistance to resolve. See Troubleshoot Devices on the BOWDOIN-PSK Network in the Related Articles section if this happens.

There is no set limit to the number of consoles you can register. Registrations carry over between semesters but expire annually — if a registration expires, repeat these steps to re-register.

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.
Print Article

Related Articles (3)

Register Streaming Devices and Smart Speakers for BOWDOIN-PSK
Instructions for registering streaming sticks, smart TVs, smart speakers, and other non-gaming consumer devices on Bowdoin's BOWDOIN-PSK wireless network. Covers how to find a device's Wi-Fi MAC address, complete registration at the portal, and connect using the device-specific password.
Unable to set up Google Home, Google Home Mini, Google Nest Audio
Explains why Google Home, Google Nest, and other Google smart speakers cannot be set up on Bowdoin's campus wireless network due to WPA2-Enterprise security requirements and network segmentation. Applies to all students and staff.
Unable to setup smart lights or smart switches in a dorm room or office space
Explains why smart lights, smart bulbs, smart switches, and similar consumer smart home devices cannot be set up or used on Bowdoin's campus network due to WPA2-Enterprise security and network segmentation. Applies to students in dorm rooms and employees in offices.