Wireless Internet Access (WiFi)

Overview

UBC Okanagan hosts several wireless networks to support students, faculty and staff on campus and at partner institutions. You can check your e-mail, surf the web and access the UBC network from almost everywhere on campus! It’s easy to use and free for faculty, staff and students.

Please Note:  Many Wi-Fi enabled devices that are designed for a typical home WiFi network will not function as expected or be able to connect to UBC Wifi as they do not meet minimum security standards.  Consult with IT prior to purchasing or bringing onto campus.

Features & Benefits

UBC Okanagan has multiple services to support your wireless needs:

Requirements & Eligibility

• Devices on UBCO’s wireless network must be able to support the following capabilities for wireless authentication:
  • support authentication by acceptance of terms and conditions via pop-up (for ubcvisitor), or
    
  • by sending a username and password (use of 802.1x; for ubcsecure and eduroam wireless)
• Requirements for specific networks are provided via clicking on the boxes above
• All users of UBC networks are expected to follow guidelines and policies set out in:
  • Summary of Appropriate Use Policy
  • ISS U11, Securing Internet of Things (IoT) Devices
  • SC14, Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems
  • SC11, Management of the Wireless Network

Please Note: Not all Wi-Fi enabled devices are built to support enterprise security standards and as such may not be able to connect to the UBCO Wi-Fi networks, especially home automation or entertainment devices. Prior to purchasing devices or bringing devices from home, request a consultation with a UBCO IT network specialist by submitting a Request Access to IT Service in the UBC Self-Service Portal.

Costs

WiFi is available free of charge for all UBC faculty, staff and students as well as campus guests and affiliates.

Further Information

• UBC Wireless Coverage map

Getting Started

• To connect your device to Wifi:  Wireless internet access set-up documents
• For Wifi & VPN services that requires authentication (ubcsecure, eduroam, ubcprivate, myVPN):
  • staff and students can register for a CWL using the CWL Sign Up page
  • Affiliates or guests can be sponsored by a faculty or staff member to receive a CWL which will enable access to WiFi service that require authentication (i.e. ubcsecure). 

Support

• For urgent, time-sensitive issues, phone support is available during regular office hours at 250-807-9000 (79000 from on campus)
• For support accessing UBC Okanagan WiFi, please submit a Request Access to IT Service in the UBC Self-Service Portal.
• For support accessing the ShawOpen WiFi, please contact Shaw directly at 1-888-407-0251
• To request a consultation with a UBCO IT network specialist on a wireless device, please submit a Request Access to IT Service in the UBC Self-Service Portal.

The following table clarifies the responsibilities of UBC IT Okanagan and those of the client.