How to Connect to the ISU Wireless Networks

Description

Step-by-step instructions to connect personal, entertainment, and guest devices to Idaho State University's wireless networks. You will find detailed specific authentication settings for TigerNet (phones/PCs), registration for DeviceNet (consoles/TVs), and self-service access for TigerGuest. 

Quick Connect (Most ISU Students-Staff and Faculty)

  1. Open Wi-Fi settings on your device.
  2. Select TigerNet.
  3. Enter your ISU username and password.
  4. Accept the certificate only if it matches merry.netel.isu.edu or merry2.netel.isu.edu.

Mobile Devices

iPhone and iPad

  1. Open Settings: Tap the Settings icon on your home screen.
  2. Go to Wi-Fi: Tap on Wi-Fi and ensure the toggle is turned On.
  3. Select TigerNet: Under the "Choose a Network" list, tap on TigerNet.
  4. Enter Credentials: A login window will appear.
    • Username: Enter your ISU username.
    • Password: Enter your ISU password..
  5. Tap Join in the top right corner.
  6. Trust the Certificate: A "Certificate" screen will appear.
    • Crucial Step: Look at the top of the screen. It must say merry.netel.isu.edu or merry2.netel.isu.edu.
  7. If the name matches, tap Trust in the top right corner.
  8. Verify Connection: Once connected, a checkmark will appear next to TigerNet in your Wi-Fi settings.

Android and Chromebook

  1. Open Wi-Fi Settings: Go to your device's Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
  2. Select TigerNet: Tap on TigerNet from the list of available networks.
  3. Enter Configuration Settings: A menu will pop up. Ensure the following are selected:
    • EAP Method: Select PEAP.
    • Phase 2 Authentication: Select MSCHAPV2.
    • CA Certificate: Select Use System Certificates
    • Online Certificate Status: Request certificate status (if available).
    • Domain: Enter isu.edu.
    • Identity: Enter your ISU Username (e.g., bent1234).
    • Anonymous Identity: Leave this blank.
    • Password: Enter your ISU Password.
  4. Connect: Tap Connect at the bottom of the menu.

Computers

Windows 10 or 11

  1. Open Wi-Fi Menu: Click the Network icon (Wi-Fi or Globe symbol) in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.
  2. Select TigerNet: Find TigerNet in the list of available networks and click Connect.
    • Recommendation: Check Connect Automatically so you don't have to sign in every time you open your laptop.
  3. Enter Credentials: A Windows Security prompt will appear.
    • User name: Enter your ISU username.
    • Password: Enter your ISU password.
    • Click OK.
  4. Continue Connecting: Windows may display a warning saying "Continue connecting? If you expect to find TigerNet in this location, go ahead and connect."
    • Click Show details.
    • Verify: Ensure the server name is merry.netel.isu.edu or merry2.netel.isu.edu.
    • Click Connect.
  5. Verify Status: Once the "Connected, secured" message appears, you are ready to browse.

macOS (Apple Computer)

  1. Open Wi-Fi Menu: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar.
  2. Select TigerNet: Choose TigerNet from the list of available networks.
  3. Enter Credentials: A login window will appear.
    • Account Name: Enter your ISU username.
    • Password: Enter your ISU password.
    • Ensure Remember this network is checked.
    • Click Join.
  4. Verify Certificate: A "Verify Certificate" window will pop up.
    • Click Show Certificate.
    • Crucial Step: Confirm the certificate is issued to merry.netel.isu.edu or merry2.netel.isu.edu.
    • Click Continue.
  5. Authorize the Change: Your Mac will ask for your Local Administrator Password (the password you use to log into your computer, not your ISU password) to update your Certificate Trust Settings.
  6. Confirm Connection: Once the Wi-Fi icon turns solid black/white, you are successfully connected.

Troubleshooting

  • Check your username and password (try logging into your ISU email to verify).
  • Turn Wi-Fi off and back on.
  • Select TigerNet > Forget Network, then try reconnecting from scratch.

Guest Wi-Fi Access - TigerGuest

Visitors, parents, or contractors who do not have an active ISU account should use the TigerGuest network. This network provides temporary internet access for personal browsing.

Follow these three steps to connect: 

  1. Select TigerGuest: Open the Wi-Fi settings on your device and select the TigerGuest network.
  2. Complete the Portal: Once connected, a "Captive Portal" login page should automatically pop up. Enter your Name and Email Address as requested
  3. .Confirm Access: After submitting your details, your device will be granted access to the internet.

Registering Entertainment Devices - DeviceNet

Most entertainment devices—including Gaming Consoles, Smart TVs, and Streaming Sticks (Roku, FireStick, Apple TV)—do not support the advanced login screen required for TigerNet. To get these devices online, you must register them for the DeviceNet network.

Follow these three steps to connect: 

  1. Find your MAC Address: Locate the 12-character "Wireless MAC" or "Wi-Fi Address" in your device's Network or System settings (e.g., AA:11:BB:22:CC:33).
  2. Register the Device: Visit the ISU Devices Portal (external link)  and enter your device details and MAC address.
  3. Connect to DeviceNet: Once registered, go to your device's Wi-Fi settings and select the DeviceNet network to connect immediately.
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