Topics Map > Service Catalog > Telecommunications services > Network systems > Wired Connections
Topics Map > Service Catalog > Telecommunications services > Network systems > Wireless Connections
Residence Life - Connecting Devices to Ethernet or Wireless Internet
This document describes how to connect wired or wireless devices to the internet, and was created specifically to assist students living in the residence halls.
Students living in the Stout residence halls have multiple options for connecting to the internet, depending on the device. Please read the following information about the device you would like to connect, then select the appropriate link at the bottom of the page to find specific setup steps regarding your device.
Information about various devices:
In general, student laptops should be connected to the eduroam wireless network. An alternative within the residence hall rooms is to use an Ethernet cable and use a wired connection. This requires specific setup steps such as registering the MAC address. Each room has at least two network ports.
Mobile smartphones and tablets can connect to the eduroam wireless network. They can also connect to the StoutGuest wireless network, which does not require a password, but will ask the user to reconnect from time to time throughout the day.
Devices with internet streaming apps (such as Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, Rokus, FireTV Sticks, etc.) are not compatible with the eduroam wireless network, but there is a network called StoutNonSecure that allows these devices to connect to the internet. This requires specific setup steps including registering the MAC address first.
Gaming consoles (such as PS5, PS4, XBox One, XBox Series X, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Switch) that are able to use a wired connection with an Ethernet cable can connect that way, or can connect via WiFi to StoutNonSecure within the residence halls if the device has Wi-Fi settings. Both of these methods require specific setup steps including registering the MAC address first. If your game requires peer-to-peer (P2P) technology the best way to make that work would be to use StoutNonSecure Wi-Fi.
Desktop computers can connect using a wired connection within the residence hall rooms. This requires specific setup steps including registering the MAC address first. Each room has at least two network ports. Alternately, a desktop computer can connect to the eduroam wireless network if the desktop has an internal or external wireless adapter.
Links to setup instructions (KnowledgeBase links):
eduroam:
StoutGuest:
Connect a smartphone (Android or Apple) - follow instructions to "Connect to StoutGuest using mobile Device"
StoutNonSecure:
Connect an internet streaming device, gaming console, or portable gaming device:
You will need to go to the Settings menu on the device, find a Network Settings sub-menu, and write down a piece of information called the "MAC Address." Follow the article Connect a gaming console, follow instructions "To register a different device" to connect the device to Wi-Fi.
Stout Wired Connection (uwstout.edu):
Connect a Windows laptop, Mac laptop, or a desktop computer - follow instructions "To register a device"
***Connect a gaming console - follow instructions "To register a different device"
***
Note: The Nintendo Wii console will need a Ethernet to USB adapter to use a wired connection.
Further Help
For further help with connecting a student laptop or a smartphone to the internet, visit the HelpDesk during Walk-In Hours in Sorensen Hall.
For devices other than laptops and smartphones, if you have tried the steps in the links above and your device still does not function properly on the network, submit a HelpDesk Ticket. Student technicians can help residents with device setup, connecting to a network, and troubleshooting.