How do I Connect my Game Console, Entertainment or Streaming Device to UNCW's Network?

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All faculty, staff and students have the ability to connect their entertainment device or game console to the UNCW Network.

*Please note: You need to register your device(s) in the myDevices portal before you can connect to either the wireless or wired network.

If your device has an Ethernet port, you should plug it in (do not use wireless). Why?

Prohibited Devices:
The following devices are not supported on the UNCW network:

  • Wireless routers
  • Google Nest & Google Home
  • Original Chromecast (Chromecast with Google TV is compatible by using the remote only -  Cast features will not work)
  • Servers
  • Wireless printers (USB connection required)


Registering Your Device in the myDevices Portal

You may register up to 5 total devices in the myDevices portal.

  1. Locate your device's MAC address.

    TECH TIP: Need help finding your device's MAC address? Check out our knowledge base article, "How do I Find My MAC Address?" MAC addresses contain the letters A-F and you must include colons [:] (no hyphens) when registering your device.

  2. Go to the myDevices Portal. myDevices requires a connection to UNCW's network via hawkwifi/wired connection or the portal will not load.

  3. Log in with your UNCW username (without the "@uncw.edu") and password.  

  4. Read and accept the "Acceptable Use Policy." You must scroll to the bottom before selecting "Accept."

  5. Under "Manage Devices," select “Add.” 

  6. Complete the form with your device's information. The "Additional Information" field is optional.

    TECH TIP: Do not use special characters in the "Device Name" or "Additional Information" fields, because you will not be able to register your device. If you use special characters, you will receive an "Error Loading Page" message in red. 

  7. Select "Submit" to finish registering your device.

    *Please note: After registering your device, it will be ready to connect immediately despite the status listed as "pending."

  8. To connect your wireless device, proceed to the wireless instructions.
    To connect your wired device using an Ethernet cable, proceed to the wired instructions.


Connecting to UNCW's Wireless Network
 

*Please note:  You will need to register your device each year, or if you do not use your device after 30 days.

  1. After you have registered your device in the myDevices portal, choose the “Labnet” wireless network and connect to the Internet.

    TECH TIP: If your device is still not connecting, try restarting it. If issues persist:

    1.  Verify that you added the correct wireless MAC address. MAC addresses contain the letters A-F, and you must include colons [:] (no hyphens) when registering your device.
       
    2. Power off your device, and remove it from the myDevices portal.
       
    3. Add the device back to the myDevices portal.
       
    4. Power the device on, and try connecting to the labnet wireless network again.
       


Connecting to UNCW's Wired Network via Ethernet Cable

TECH TIP: Connecting your device to the Internet with a wired connection (via Ethernet cable) offers you a faster and more stable connection than a wireless connection. This is because you aren't sharing your connection with anyone else. 

It is highly recommended that all gaming consoles use a wired connection.

After you have registered your device in the myDevices portal, plug one end of your ethernet cable into your device and the other end into the ethernet port in your dorm.

  • Sandpiper, Pelican, Loggerhead and Terrapin Hall: Use the "LAN2" or "LAN3" port on the white access point mounted on the wall.

  • All other dorms: Use the yellow port located on the wall plate.

TECH TIP: If your device is still not connecting, try restarting it. If issues persist:

  1.  Verify that you added the correct wired MAC address. MAC addresses only contain A-F, and the myDevices portal requires colons [:] (no hyphens).
     
  2. Power off your device, and remove it from the myDevices portal.
     
  3. Disconnect the Ethernet cable.
     
  4. Add the device back to the myDevices portal.
     
  5. Reconnect the Ethernet cable.
     
  6. Power the device on, and test for a connection.
     

If you need further assistance, please submit a service request or CHAT with TAC.

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