Connecting to the MGA Wireless Network (wifi)

The Office of Technology Resources manages and oversees technology resources of the institution. This includes all aspects of the wired and wireless network, including infrastructure, wireless channel and frequency management and network security. Network Administrators within this division are the only people authorized to connect routers, switches, wireless routers or access points to the network anywhere on campus, including the dorms.

Overview

Middle Georgia State University provides two wireless networks for users who bring devices on campus. The campus wireless network is MGANet. The dorm wireless network is ResNet. Each network has a secure wireless network and an “open” wireless network.

Campus Wireless

  • MGANet-Secure – “WPA2-Enterprise” secure network. Students, faculty and staff may access this network using MGA email accounts for login. When you open your browser for the first time, you will be required to accept the terms of the Appropriate Use Policy. Student accounts will be restricted to Internet access only.
  • MGANet - Open network restricted to Internet access only. Its primary use will be to provide Internet access to campus visitors who don't have an MGA email account and devices that don't support “WPA2-Enterprise.” When you open your browser for the first time, you will be required to register your device via email or mobile phone text message and accept the terms of the Appropriate Use Policy.

Dorm Wireless

  • ResNet-Secure – “WPA2-Enterprise” secure network. Students, faculty and staff may access this network using MGA email accounts for login. When you open your browser for the first time, you will be required to accept the terms of the Appropriate Use Policy. Student accounts will be restricted to Internet access only.
  • ResNet – Open network restricted to Internet access only. Its primary use will be for dorm visitors who don't have an MGA email account and devices that don't support “WPA2-Enterprise,” such as gaming consoles, printers and streaming devices. When you open your browser for the first time, you will be required to register your device via email or mobile phone text message and accept the terms of the Appropriate Use Policy.

Eduroam

  • Eduroam is a secure, world-wide wireless network that allows you to connect to the internet at any other institution that hosts eduroam by logging in with your MGA email address and password. This allows you to travel to a variety of universities, both in the United States and internationally, and access the internet wirelessly and securely without needing to request a guest account from the destination institution. Eduroam is available on all five MGA campuses.
    What is eduroam?
    Browse US Institution
    Browse International Institutions
    Configuration Assistance Tool (CAT) – customized eduroam installer

Security Considerations

For the best security, MGANet-Secure or ResNet-Secure should be used when possible. Your device must support “WPA2-Enterprise” and you must have an MGA email account. Most laptops, smartphones and tablets support “WPA2-Enterprise.”

Open networks are provided for convenience. They should only be used when WPA2-Enterprise is not an option. When using open networks, the individual should not conduct sensitive transactions and should use VPN or SSL to secure communications.

Security Requirements

Users of the Middle Georgia State University wireless network are subject to the “Appropriate Use Policy” and all other applicable policies.

Connecting to Wireless

Visitors

Visitors who don't have an MGA email account must connect to one of the open wireless networks MGANet or ResNet.

Faculty/Staff/Students

Faculty, Staff and Students should connect to one of the “secure” wireless networks, MGANet-Secure or ResNet-Secure, depending on your location.

Laptops, Tablets and Smartphones

You must configure your laptops, tablets or smartphones to connect with WPA2-Enterprise using your MGA email account and password. Once connected, open any web page. The web page will be intercepted and a portal page will be displayed to accept the “Appropriate Use Policy.”