How do I Connect my Personal Windows Computer to UNCW's Network via Ethernet in my Residence Hall?

Answer

All students have the ability to connect their personally-owned Windows computer to the UNCW Network in their residence hall.

*Please note: All UNCW-owned computers are pre-configured to connect to Ethernet. If you are having connection issues with your UNCW device, please submit a Wired and Wireless Device Connection Issues service request. Users must have administrative privileges on the device in order to complete this process. 

 

TECH TIP: Waiting to connect the Ethernet cable until Step 6 will cut down on the number of pop-ups.

 

Connecting to the Network using Ethernet
 

  1. To connect to the UNCW Network with your personal computer via Ethernet, the Wired AutoConfig (DOT3SVC) Service must be turned on. This is the Service responsible for the IEEE 802.1x authentication.
     
  2. To turn on Wired AutoConfig, go to the Windows Search bar & type "Services." Select the app.

    Windows search bar display the "Services" application
     
  3. Click the "Name" column at the top to re-sort the services Z-A. "Wired AutoConfig" will now be towards the top of the list.

    Services window displaying Wired AutoConfig, inverse sorted
     
  4. Double-click on "Wired AutoConfig."
     
  5. Under the General Tab:
    • Change Startup Type from "Manual" to "Automatic."
    • Click "Start." 
    • Select "OK."

      Wired AutoConfig panel displaying Manual and Stopped   Wired AutoConfig service set to Automatic and Running
       
  6. Connect the Ethernet Cable.
     
  7. Ethernet Authentication Panel will appear. Click "Connect."

    Ethernet Authentication popup panel
     
  8. Next, go to the Windows Search bar & type "Control Panel." Select the app.

    Clicking in the Windows search bar and typing Control Panel 


     
  9. Click on Network and Sharing Center. Depending on your system setup, the panel will look like one of the views below. 

    Control Panel, small tile view with Network and Sharing Center highlighted

    Control panel, Category View with Network and Sharing center highlighted
     
  10. Select "Change adapter settings"

    network and sharing center with change adapter settings highlighted

     
  11. Right-click on the Network adapter that is displaying "Authentication Failed" or "Attempting to Authenticate." Select "Properties."

    Network Connection panel highlighting Ethernet connection
     
  12. Select the "Authentication" tab. Verify all checkboxes are selected and that "Microsoft: Protect EAP (PEAP)" is selected. Click "Settings."

    Ethernet Properties Authentication tab, highlighting settings
     
  13. Configure the Certificate Authorities:
    • Check the box for "Verify the server's identity by validating the certificate."
    • Check the box for "AAA Certificate Services."

      TECH TIP: If you DO NOT see "AAA Certificate Services" listed, check the box for "AddTrust External CA Root." 

    • Click "Configure..."

      PEAP Cert Panel highlighting Service, AAA

       
    • Verify that the check box IS NOT checked. Click "OK" to close.

      EAP Properties Panel, no check boxes selected
       
  14. Click "OK" to save and close the Protect EAP Properties Panel.
     
  15. Back on the Ethernet Properties panel, click "Additional Settings..."

    Ethernet Properties panel highlighting the Additional Settings button
     
    • Check "Specify authentication mode."
    • Select "User Authentication" from the drop-down list.
    • Click "Save Credentials."

      Ethernet Properties Advanced Settings Panel highlighting user auth and save
       
    • Enter your UNCW username (without "@uncw.edu") and password.

      Windows Security Save Credentials panel for users to enter username and pass
       
  16. Click "OK" on all remaining panels to save and connect. 

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

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