You can register and use multiple devices on the BU network, as described below. Read the detailed instructions below to learn how.
About use of devices:
- Any device connected to the BU network must be registered on the network, either by connecting to the wired network and going through a network registration process OR by authenticating via eduroam on the wireless network.
- If you plan to use a device wirelessly, it needs to be capable of running eduroam, as described on our wireless page. Otherwise, you will need to connect the device to the wired network (newer devices may require a 100Mbps half-duplex switch in order to properly access the network). This is true even if the device works wirelessly at home.
- You will only have one Ethernet jack per person for use of the wired network in your residence. If you need access to more than one Ethernet jack, you will need to purchase a hub or a switch.
- Routers and wireless access points are not allowed in BU residence halls (because they can interfere with network access for other residents).
About smart home devices:
Most smart home devices will be unable to connect to the wireless network due to them not supporting the eduroam network. This includes Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Philips Hue, or any device that requires communicating with an app on a phone. These devices typically communicate via broadcast messages with a phone which will work on smaller home networks but not on a large network as they will completely saturate the network. A list of devices that are not compatible with our network can be found here.
Required Step
Connect the devices
Connect your device to the Ethernet jack in your room via an Ethernet cable. These are available in most electronics stores.
You can hook up multiple devices using a hub or switch that you bring with you. Do not use a router or any wireless access point as they are prohibited in BU residences.
| What is the difference between a hub, a switch, and a router?
A router uses Network Address Translation (NAT) and does not work properly on the BU Residential Network. Instead, you want a "switch" or a "hub” with the key point that they do not do their own network address translation. A hub and a switch will both allow you to connect multiple devices to the network. Switches are recommended as they will also convert full-duplex connections to a half-duplex connection and vice-versa. You will need a switch (specifically a 100Mbps half-duplex switch) if your device does not support the half-duplex network on campus. One way to see if your device requires a switch is if you see choppy performance while using the network. This is typically seen when you are streaming something and there is constant buffering. |
FAQ
My device isn't connecting to the network and I checked the cable connection. Is there any other way to connect the device? If you run into any issues connecting your device, please do not hesitate to call us at 617-353-HELP(4357) or email us at ithelp@bu.edu and we are more than happy to assist you with getting your device on the network. Please have your device's MAC address available when you call or email us. Please keep in mind that we do not support game consoles and we will do our best to connect your device but occasionally it goes beyond the scope of our abilities.
What if my device does not have an Ethernet port? If the device supports it, you can purchase a USB to Ethernet adapter that will allow you to connect to the wired network. One thing to note for Nintendo Switches is that you will only be able to play in docked mode using the Ethernet connection, not the handheld mode as the device is unable to connect to the eduroam network.