Online Authentication
MSU NetID
MSU NetIDs are assigned to all current faculty, staff, students, and retirees. A NetID is a unique alphanumeric identifier auto-generated from the user’s name.
Your NetID is your personal identifier at MSU and serves as your login to many university computing and networking services.
Before accessing the MSU network, you’ll need to activate your MSU NetID.
Community ID
Community IDs are used to provide limited access to web-based services for individuals are who not affiliated with MSU directly. These individuals typically include members of the general public who sign up for non-credit courses, distance learners, etc. The services accessible with a Community ID are limited.
MSU Network Registration
To connect to the MSU network and Internet, you must register computers, mobile devices, and other devices (e.g., smart TV, gaming system) with DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). You must register separately for wired (Ethernet) and wireless connections.
Please read the Acceptable Use Policy for MSU Information Technology Resources for the MSU community.
Connecting Computers & Mobile Devices
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network, “MSUNet 3.0”
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If your device has difficulty connecting to MSUNet 3.0, connect to “MSUNet 5ghz“
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- Wait for a page to open automatically for network registration
- Click the link, “Visit the DHCP Registration Site”
- If the page doesn’t open, go to getonline.msu.edu in a browser
- Sign in with your MSU NetID and password
- Enter your device’s information
- Full name will be the name of the primary user
- Location of device will be your primary residence or office location
- Description of device will be the brand and model of your device
- When complete, restart your device
Connecting Smart TVs & Gaming Devices
Register devices that can’t connect to the Internet using a web browser (e.g. Smart TVs, gaming systems) at getonline.msu.edu.
The process is the same as above, with the addition of needing to enter your device’s MAC address. If a MAC address is not easily found, search the internet for “MAC address for [name of device].”
When completed, restart your device.
Wi-Fi
MSUnet Wireless is the university’s Wi-Fi service and supports current standards. Read more about MSUNet Wireless Access.
Academic buildings and residence halls have Wi-Fi.
To maintain Wi-Fi quality, MSU IT can constrain wireless network devices with incorrect of conflicting configurations that could adversely impact the performance of the MSUnet Wireless.
Connecting to Guest Wi-Fi
MSU guests and visitors can connect to MSUNet Guest Wireless without needing an MSU NetID or to register their devices.
Read more about MSUNet Guest Access.
Accessing Internet Away from Campus
If you don’t have access to internet at your primary residence, consider these tips:
1) Use Your Internet Service Provider’s Hotspots
One simple way to find Wi-Fi away from home is to use your home provider. For example, if you’re a Comcast user, you will have access to Xfinity Wi-Fi networks when traveling. For most ISP networks, check their Wi-Fi page on the main site or download their hotspot app. Find a hotspot by entering an address or form of location. Then connect to your ISP’s available hotspots.
Helpful ISP hotspot pages:
2) Use Your Phone as a Hotspot
This is also known as tethering. Some carriers have restrictions on how much data can be used for tethering or charged for using the feature, so be sure to check with your provider.
Common wireless service providers:
- Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
- AT&T: 1-800-288-2020
- Sprint: 1-844-764-8359
- T-Mobile: 1-800-937-8997
Public Wi-Fi: How to Stay Safe
If you choose to use public Wi-Fi, consider taking these appropriate steps to protect yourself:
- Keep antivirus installed and up to date
- Use a VPN
- Be skeptical if it’s too easy to connect (ex. no agreement page)
- Only browse on HTTPS websites
- Refrain from accessing confidential data (ex. bank account)
- Avoid performing online transactions
- Verify popular Wi-Fi networks are correct (ex. Starbucks WiFi vs. Free Starbucks WiFi)
- Always make sure paid Wi-Fi is legitimate and use a third-party payment system
- Cover your keyboard when entering any passwords or credentials
- If the connection is slow, it could be due to the device rerouting to the hacker’s access point
Eduroam
Eduroam is a wireless network access service that allows global Wi-Fi compatibility between academic institutions and organizations. Students, researchers, staff, and faculty from a participating institution can access the wireless networks of any other participating institution by using their home institution’s credentials.
This means that visitors to MSU have easy access to Wi-Fi while on campus, and the MSU community has easy access when visiting other institutions across the world!
The process for connecting to Eduroam varies between devices. See below to learn how to connect yours:
Connecting to Eduroam for Windows: Eduroam FAQ
Connecting to Eduroam for Android
Eduroam Locator: https://eduroam.org/where/
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Also known as Campus VPN, MSU secure remote access, or F5 BIG-IP Edge, this service provides the MSU community to securely connect to the MSU campus network. This VPN connection works from any location, whether in East Lansing or anywhere around the world.
Faculty, staff, retirees, trustees, and students can access and download the new Campus VPN (F5 BIG-IP Edge Client) using their MSU NetID at new.vpn.msu.edu.
An MSU VPN override may be requested by a sponsoring faculty or staff member for VPN access for temporary/on-call employees, vendors, affiliates, and other NetIDs associated with university business.
More info on Campus VPN can be found here: https://go.msu.edu/q4p
Need Help?
Contact the MSU Service Desk at (517) 432-6200 or visit ithelp.msu.edu.
