PreAuth Network - Connecting

Summary

ITS is proud to announce the ability to connect to the UIS wireless network via your Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, and other devices that do not use standard Enterprise Wireless Encryption.

Students can register up to 5 devices to access the wireless network. The device’s registration automatically expires after one year from registration at which point students will need to register the device.

Body

To begin registering your devices go to:

  1. Open the PreAuth Login Page (not on the device you are trying to connect)
  2. Log in with your NetID and Password

ITS is implementing a campus-wide infrastructure refresh as part of our efforts to improve Wi-Fi performance. This is a multi-phase project; with an expected projected completion date of August 2025. During this time, there are two options for connecting devices to Wi-Fi depending on whether these devices are in a location that has already been refreshed.

The timeline for each building is available here: https://www.uis.edu/its/services-uis/network-and-server-services/uis-wifi-upgrade

For all devices, regardless of location, you should first try to connect to UISWiFi.

If your device cannot connect to UISWiFi AND it is located in an area of campus that has not yet been refreshed:

  1. Go to the Preauth Reservation (Old WiFi) page and add your device by MAC address. 
  2. Once you have logged in, type the MAC Address of your device
    [Scroll to the bottom of the page to find directions to find the MAC Address of most devices.]
  3. NOTE: This system updates every 15 minutes. So, you may not be able to connect immediately. Example: If you register your device at 1:10PM you will not be able to use your device on the network until after 1:15PM.]
  4. After registering your devices through the registration page, go to the wireless connections on your device and connect to the wireless network preauth.

If your device cannot connect to UISWiFi AND it is located in an area of campus that has already been refreshed:

  1. Choose Pre Shared Keys (New WiFi) from the menu on the left. On a mobile device, tap the menu button in the upper left corner and select Pre Shared Keys (New WiFi).
  2. Once you have created your IPSK, you will connect your device(s) to the network named UISPreauth and enter the passphrase.
  3. Please note that while your passphrase may be used for multiple devices you own, you may not share your passphrase with other users. You will be able to return to this page to review your passphrase (for example, if connecting additional devices at a later time).

Note: Pre Shared Keys are set to expire annually on May 31st. Starting June 1 of every year you must create a new Pre Shared Key.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

Should all my devices be connected to UISPreauth?
No, please try to connect your device to UISWiFi before connecting to UISPreauth. Many devices will 
work with UISWiFi and will not need to connect to UISPreauth.

How long will my key stay active?
All keys will remain active until the next May 31st after your key was generated, after which you 
will need to navigate to go.uis.edu/preauth again and get a new key, setting up the connection 
again on your device.

Will I need another key to connect a different device?
No, your key will work for all of your devices.

Can other people use my key?
No, your key is only for use with your devices. If someone you know would like to connect to 
UISPreauth, have them use the steps above to generate their own key.

Finding your MAC Address

In general, you will find MAC addresses in the system settings, general information, or network settings/status of your device. Occasionally, the MAC address is printed on a label affixed to the bottom of a device.

It is important to note that manufacturers sometimes use different names to describe the MAC address, such as Hardware ID, Physical Address, Wireless ID, Wi-Fi Address, etc.

Windows Computers

  1. Press Start + R on your keyboard
  2. In the Run window, type in cmd and click OK
  3. At the command prompt, type ipconfig /all and hit Enter
  4. The MAC address for each interface will be listed as Physical Address
    • For wired interfaces, look for the term Ethernet or Gigabit in the name or description
    • For wireless interfaces, look for the terms Wireless or Wi-Fi in the name or description

macOS Computers

  1. Open System Preferences
  2. Click on the Network icon
  3. Select the interface you wish to use, then click Advanced...
  4. The MAC address is listed under the Hardware tab

Roku Players

Tip: Some models have the MAC address printed on a label on the bottom of the device.

  1. From the Home screen, select Settings
  2. Select Network
  3. Select About
  4. The MAC address is displayed on the right side under Ethernet MAC address

Apple TVs

Tip: Some models have the MAC addresses printed on the UPC label on the product packaging.

  1. From the main screen, click on Settings
  2. Select Network
  3. The MAC addresses will be displayed next to Ethernet Address or Wi-Fi Address

Amazon Fire TV

  1. From the Home screen, scroll to the right and select Settings
  2. Select My Fire TV
  3. Select About
  4. Select Network
  5. The MAC addresses should be displayed on the right hand side

Smart TVs

Due to the large amount of makes and models available, we are unable to list specific instructions. Please consult your TV's owner manual or contact your manufacturer for assistance.

You can also try searching online for "[tv brand] smart tv support", however we've included the most popular brands below:

Samsung Support

LG Support

Sony Support

TCL Support

Vizio Support

Nintendo Switch

  1. From the Home screen, select System Settings
  2. Select Internet
    • For wireless connections
      1. Select Internet Settings
      2. Scroll to the very bottom to see the MAC address
    • For wired connections (assumes USB LAN adapter and TV dock)
      1. Select Internet Settings
      2. Select Wired Connection
      3. The MAC address should be displayed at the bottom

Playstation 3 (PS3)

  1. Power on your PS3 without a disc
  2. From the home screen, select Settings
  3. Select Network Settings
  4. Select Settings and Connection Status List
  5. Scroll down to see the MAC addresses

Playstation 4 (PS4)

  1. Power on your PS4 without a disc
  2. Bring up the toolbar and select Settings
  3. Select System
  4. Select System Information
  5. The MAC addresses should be displayed on screen

Playstation 5 (PS5)

  1. From the main screen, select Settings (gear icon)
  2. Select Network
  3. Select Connection Status
  4. Select View Connection Status
  5. The MAC addresses shoudl be displayed near the top of the page

Xbox 360

  1. From the Xbox Dashboard, scroll to settings and select the System tile
  2. Select Network Settings
  3. Select the interface your wish to use. then click Configure Network
  4. Select the Addtional Settings tab
  5. Select Advanced Settings
  6. The MAC address should be listed on the left hand side

Xbox One

  1. Go to My Xbox from the Xbox Dashboard and select Settings
  2. Select Network
  3. Select Advanced Settings
  4. The MAC addresses should be listed on the right hand side

Xbox Series X/S

  1. Press the Xbox button on your controller
  2. Select Settings under the Profile & System section
  3. Highlight General and select Network Settings
  4. Select Advanced Settings
  5. Select IP settings
  6. The MAC addresses should be listed on the right hand side

Amazon Alexa/Echo

  1. Download the Amazon Alexa app to your phone or computer and sign in with your Amazon account.
  2. Connect to the wireless network transmitted by your Echo device.
  3. The wireless MAC address for your Echo can be found at the bottom of the Echo Setup screen in the Alexa app.

Details

Details

Article ID: 2432
Created
Mon 6/6/22 9:35 AM
Modified
Wed 7/16/25 5:40 PM