Connect to NIU Internet

Connect to high-speed NIU Wi-Fi anywhere on campus with your student Z-ID.

How to Connect

To connect your PC or Mac to NIU Wi-Fi:

  1. Make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on.
  2. Select NIUWireless in your Wi-Fi list.
  3. It will ask for a username and password. Use your student Z-ID and password.

If you don't know your student Z-ID or password, you can look up your Z-ID or reset your password online.

To connect your Chromebook to NIU Wi-Fi:

  1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner of the desktop.
  2. Select NIUWireless in your Wi-Fi list.
  3. If it asks, use these settings:

    EAP Method
    Select "PEAP"
    Phase 2 Authentication
    Select "MSCHAPV2"
    Server CA Certificate
    Select "Do not validate"
    Identity
    Enter your Z-ID (Format: Z-ID@students.niu.edu)
    Password
    Enter your password, then click connect

If you don't know your student Z-ID or password, you can look up your Z-ID or reset your password online.

To connect your iPhone or iPad to NIU Wi-Fi:

  1. Select NIUWireless in your Wi-Fi list.
  2. It will ask for a username and password. Use your student Z-ID and password.
  3. If you get a "not verified" message, select "Accept."

If you don't know your student Z-ID or password, you can look up your Z-ID or reset your password online.

To connect your Android device to NIU Wi-Fi:

  1. Select NIUWireless in your Wi-Fi list.
  2. If it asks, use these settings:

    EAP Method
    Select "PEAP"
    Phase 2 Authentication
    Select "MSCHAPV2"
    CA Certificate
    Select "Use system certificates"
    Domain
    Enter niunt.niu.edu
    Identity
    Enter your Z-ID
    Password
    Enter your password

If you don't know your student Z-ID or password, you can look up your Z-ID or reset your password online.

Devices not able to connect to the NIUWireless should be able to connect to NIUVisitor network except for devices that require a "discovery protocol" in order to discover your device.

*Note: Wireless printers, chromecast, home automation, special lighting gear that requires your phone to control cannot be discovered on the wireless network so they will not work.

Examples of devices for use on NIUVisitor include gaming consoles (Xbox, PS4, Switch, etc.), streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire Stick as long as it uses a remote to control it, etc.), smart TVs, smart speakers like Amazon Echo as long as you can find the wireless MAC address in order to register it and you don't use your phone to try and control it. They will work if you speak to them but you cannot control them with your phone.

Need help? Contact us.

NIU's Service Desk can help you if you're having trouble getting connected.

Contact the Service Desk

Can I bring my own router or network device?

To ensure that the campus wireless network has strong coverage throughout the halls for you and your community, we do not allow network devices that will interfere with the wireless signal.

Wired or wireless routers, wireless access points, wireless repeaters, wireless boosters and wireless extenders are not allowed in the residence halls or Northern View Community.

If these devices are detected on the network, the Division of IT will block either the IP or MAC address of the router or block the entire port in the room. The resident will then be contacted by DoIT Service Desk staff, the NIU abuse investigator or network engineers, depending on the severity and time of day.

Wired Internet Option in Residence Halls

Most students use NIU Wi-Fi exclusively, but for gamers or students who have a need for a wired connection, we provide a wired broadband/Ethernet internet connection in all resident rooms. You'll need your own Ethernet cable to use it. Remember to look behind furniture if you don't see the port right away.

To connect multiple devices to one port, purchase an unmanaged Ethernet network switch.

Hall Ethernet Port Location
Grant, Gilbert, Neptune and Stevenson Rooms have more than one port, but only one is active per bedroom.
Patterson Complex One active port per bedroom. One port in the cluster living room behind the TV.
Northern View Community One active port per bedroom. One active port in the living room.

ResNet Access and Support 

All students living in the residence halls have paid into a technology fee as a part of their room fees which provides the following services:

  • Internet access and support.
  • Internet access to every room in the residence halls.
  • NIU Wi-Fi in floor lounges and student rooms.
  • Network infrastructure upgrades.
  • Support for services provided by Residential Technology and the Division of Information Technology.

Register Devices in MyDevices Portal

Contact Us

Housing and Residential Services
Neptune East 101
housing@niu.edu
815-753-1525

Additional Contact Info


Back to top