BatesConnect Wi-Fi and eduroam
1. What is BatesConnect?
BatesConnect is a Wi-Fi network on the Bates College campus that lets you connect to the Internet and access the resources you need to configure your device for eduroam.
2. How do I connect to BatesConnect?
- Open your device's Wi-Fi settings.
- Find BatesConnect in the list of available networks.
- Select BatesConnect to connect.
Once connected, open a web browser and visit wifi.bates.edu to begin configuring your device for eduroam.
3. What is eduroam?
eduroam is Bates College's secure Wi-Fi network for students, faculty, and staff. It provides wireless Internet access across campus and at thousands of participating educational institutions and locations worldwide . Once you configure your device, it can automatically connect to eduroam whenever the network is available.
4. What is the difference between BatesConnect and eduroam?
BatesConnect is used to help you get started with Wi-Fi setup, while eduroam is the secure Wi-Fi network intended for everyday use by eligible members of the Bates community.
5. Is BatesConnect the same as the guest Wi-Fi network?
No. BatesConnect is used for setting up eduroam. Visitors who need guest Internet access should use Bates Open, the College's guest Wi-Fi network, which has a separate registration process.
6. What is SecureW2, and how does it relate to BatesConnect?
SecureW2 is the system Bates uses to securely configure your device for eduroam. During setup, SecureW2 installs the necessary Wi-Fi settings and a security certificate associated with your Bates account. Think of the certificate as a digital ID card that lets your device connect to eduroam securely without requiring you to enter your Bates username and password each time. BatesConnect provides an initial connection so you can access the SecureW2 setup process.
7. Do I need to install SecureW2 to connect to eduroam?
Yes. Bates uses SecureW2 to configure supported devices with the appropriate security settings and certificate needed to connect to eduroam.
8. When should I connect to BatesConnect?
You should connect to BatesConnect when you're on campus and need an Internet connection to begin setting up eduroam on your device.
9. Can I set up eduroam while I'm off campus?
Yes! You can install the SecureW2 certificate off campus, as long as your device has an Internet connection, then visit wifi.bates.edu and complete the SecureW2 setup process. Once you return to Bates, you can connect to the eduroam Wi-Fi network.
10. Do I need to stay connected to BatesConnect after setting up eduroam?
No. Once your device has been successfully configured for eduroam, you should use eduroam as your primary Wi-Fi network.
11. What is a security certificate?
A security certificate works like a digital ID card for your device. It lets eduroam recognize and authenticate your device when you connect to the Wi-Fi network. Once installed, the certificate helps your device connect automatically without repeatedly asking for your Bates credentials.
12. Can I set up eduroam without connecting to BatesConnect?
Yes! If you already have an Internet connection, you can visit wifi.bates.edu and complete the SecureW2 setup process. For example, you can configure your device from home before arriving on campus.
13. Which devices can I configure using SecureW2?
The current Bates installation guides provide instructions for:
14. Will I need to enter my Bates username and password every time I connect to eduroam?
No. Once SecureW2 installs your security certificate and configures your device, you won't need to enter your Bates username and password each time you connect. Your device will automatically authenticate using its installed certificate.
Installing and Configuring eduroam
15. How do I install SecureW2 on my Windows computer?
Using Google Chrome, connect to BatesConnect Wi-Fi when you are on the Bates campus, or to the Internet if you are off campus, then visit wifi.bates.edu, and click the Connect to eduroam button. If your operating system isn't detected automatically, choose Windows 10 & Above, then click JoinNow to download the installer. Open the downloaded file, follow the prompts, and sign in with your Bates username and password. Approve the Duo authentication request if prompted. SecureW2 will automatically install the certificate and configure your Wi-Fi connection.
16. How do I install SecureW2 on my Mac?
Using Google Chrome, connect to BatesConnect Wi-Fi when you are on the Bates campus, or to the Internet if you are off campus, then visit wifi.bates.edu, and click the Connect to eduroam button. If your operating system isn't detected automatically, choose macOS, then click JoinNow to download the installer. Open the downloaded file, launch SecureW2, and follow the instructions to sign in with your Bates account. You'll also be prompted to install the Bates College eduroam configuration profile through macOS System Settings.
17. How do I install eduroam on my iPhone or iPad?
Using Safari, connect to BatesConnect Wi-Fi when you are on the Bates campus, or to the Internet if you are off campus, then visit wifi.bates.edu, and tap the Connect to eduroam button. Sign in using your Bates username and password, then approve Duo authentication if prompted. Follow the instructions to download the Wi-Fi configuration profile. Open your device's Settings, tap Profile Downloaded, and complete the installation. Once installed, open your Wi-Fi settings and select eduroam.
18. Do I need to install a separate application on my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, the Bates iPhone and iPad setup process uses a downloadable Wi-Fi configuration profile. Follow the instructions at wifi.bates.edu to download and install the profile.
19. Why am I being asked to sign in with my Bates account during installation?
Signing in verifies your identity and lets SecureW2 issue a security certificate tied to your Bates account. This certificate then authenticates your device when you connect to eduroam.
20. Why am I receiving a Duo authentication request during setup?
Duo provides an additional layer of security by verifying your identity when you sign in with your Bates account. If prompted during SecureW2 setup, approve the Duo request to continue.
Only approve Duo requests associated with sign-in attempts you initiated.
21. Why does my Mac ask me to install a configuration profile?
The Bates College eduroam configuration profile contains the settings your Mac needs to securely connect to eduroam. Installing the profile allows your Mac to use the security certificate issued during setup.
22. Why is my Mac asking for Touch ID or my computer password?
macOS requires administrator authorization before installing certain configuration profiles. You can use Touch ID or enter the username and password you normally use to sign in to your Mac.
This is separate from the Bates account sign-in used earlier in the SecureW2 setup process.
23. Why does my iPhone or iPad ask for my passcode during installation?
Apple requires your device passcode to authorize the installation of a configuration profile. Enter the passcode you normally use to unlock your iPhone or iPad.
24. What should I do if SecureW2 doesn't automatically recognize my device?
On the SecureW2 setup page, use the Select your device drop-down menu to choose the appropriate operating system. For example, select Windows 10 & Above, macOS, or iPhone/iPad, depending on your device.
Connecting to eduroam
25. Will my device automatically connect to eduroam after installation?
Once setup is complete, your device should automatically connect to eduroam whenever the network is available. If it doesn't connect automatically, open your device's Wi-Fi settings and manually select eduroam.
26. How can I tell whether my device is connected to eduroam?
Open your device's Wi-Fi settings and check the name of the connected wireless network. If the network name is "eduroam", your device is connected.
27. What should I do if eduroam doesn't connect automatically after installation?
First, open your Wi-Fi settings and manually select eduroam. If your device still doesn't connect, confirm that the SecureW2 installation completed successfully. If the issue continues, contact the Bates College IT Service Desk for assistance.
28. Do I need to configure eduroam again when visiting another participating institution?
Generally, no. Once you configure your device successfully at Bates, it should connect to eduroam automatically at other participating institutions. Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled and select eduroam if your device doesn't connect automatically.
29. Can I install SecureW2 on more than one device?
Yes, follow the setup instructions separately on each device. For example, if you use a Windows computer, a Mac, and an iPhone, each device needs its own eduroam configuration.
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
30. Where can I find the SecureW2 installer after downloading it?
On Windows and macOS, the installer is typically saved in your browser's default Downloads folder.
The downloaded files are named:
- Windows:
WiFi_Bates_College_Wrapper.exe
- macOS:
WiFi_Bates_College_Wrapper.dmg
Double-click the appropriate file to begin installation.
31. Is it safe to open the SecureW2 installer downloaded from the Internet?
Yes, if you download it through Bates College's official Wi-Fi setup website at wifi.bates.edu. On macOS, you may see a message asking whether you want to open an application downloaded from the Internet. Click Open to continue if you downloaded the installer from the official Bates website.
32. Why is my Mac asking SecureW2 for permission to find devices on local networks?
During installation, macOS may prompt you to allow SecureW2 to find devices on local networks. The Bates installation instructions direct you to select Allow to continue setup.
33. What should I do if the SecureW2 installation doesn't finish?
If installation stops or you receive an error, first confirm that your device has an active Internet connection. You can then try starting the setup again from wifi.bates.edu. If the problem continues, contact the Bates College IT Service Desk or assistance.
34. What should I do if I need help installing SecureW2 or connecting to eduroam?
Contact the Bates College IT Service Desk for assistance. When requesting help, provide the device type you're using, its operating system, and any error messages you received during installation.