Getting Online

Authentication Methods

MSU NetID

MSU NetIDs are assigned to all current student, faculty, staff,  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.

MSU Guest Accounts

Guest Accounts provide access to some services for individuals are who not affiliated with MSU directly. These individuals typically include parents/guardians of enrolled students, members of the general public who sign up for non-credit courses or distance learners, etc. Learn more or register for an MSU Guest Account.

Connecting to MSU Wi-Fi

Spartan students, faculty, and staff should always connect to eduroam whenever connected a computer, phone, or tablet on campus. A one-time set up process simplifies and secures your Wi-Fi experience on campus and beyond.

Setting up eduroam

  1. Download and install the SecureW2 JoinNow application by visiting wifi.msu.edu.
  2. Once there, click the JoinNow button to begin the download.
  3. Once the download is complete, open the file and click next.
  4. This will redirect you to MSU’s Okta single sign-on page.
    • Log in to your MSU account using your NetID and password.
  5. Once logged in, you’ll be sent back to the JoinNow application.
    • Your device is now setup to automatically connect to eduroam.
    • You’ll connect across campus and everywhere that eduroam exists while maintaining access to your campus resources without any additional setup required.

Information regarding specific device operating systems can be found below:

Connecting Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, etc.

To connect other devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, internet-of-things devices, and streaming devices (Apple TV, Roku, etc.), you’ll need to register and connect them to MSUnet 3.0.

  1. To register, you’ll need another device with an available web browser.
  2. Using the web browser, visit dhcp.msu.edu
  3. Sign in with your MSU NetID and password and click Register an Additional Device
  4. Find and enter the name of the device, its location, and the device’s MAC address.
    1. The device MAC address is a unique hardware ID that’s shown in pairs (ex. 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) and assigned by the device manufacturer.
    2. If unable to find the MAC address, perform a web search for “finding the MAC address of [name of device type].”
  5. Click Register Now, then I agree to the terms presented
  6. When finished, restart your device to complete the process.

Please read the Acceptable Use Policy for MSU Information Technology Resources for the MSU community.

Connecting to MSUnet Guest Wi-Fi

MSU guests and visitors can connect to MSUNet Guest Wireless without needing an MSU NetID or to register their devices. Students, faculty, and staff who utilize the MSUnet Guest Wi-Fi will experience speed and access restrictions.

Read more about MSUNet Guest Access.

Public Wi-Fi: How to Stay Safe

If you choose to use public Wi-Fi, consider taking these appropriate steps to protect yourself:

  • Use a respectable VPN
  • Keep antivirus installed and up to date
  • 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

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.