Georgia Tech now offers certificate-based authentication to the wireless network eduroam, eliminating the need for username and password credentials when signing on to the service.
Georgia Tech now offers certificate-based authentication on its wireless network, eduroam. Through self-service configuration, students, faculty, staff, and visitors can securely access the network by downloading a unique digital certificate for each of their devices. This process will replace the existing eduroam authentication process — via username and password credentials — by the start of the summer semester. Campus members are encouraged to begin the certificate configuration on their personal devices, before credential-based authentication is sunset, by visiting the Georgia Tech Wi-Fi Onboarding Portal.
Since 2015, eduroam has been available on campus. The network is maintained by the Georgia Tech Local Area Walkup & Wireless Network (LAWN), which provides visitors and the campus community access to Institute networks and computing resources. The eduroam network is the primary — and LAWN-recommended — wireless network for users on the Atlanta campus and instructional sites such as Georgia Tech-Europe.
Other LAWN-hosted wireless networks, including GTother and GTvisitor, will not be affected by the credential-based authentication sunset and will remain in service throughout the transition process.
Compared to credential-based authentication, the certificate-based method offers significantly enhanced security against cyber threats, such as credential and account fraud. It also enhances the user experience by streamlining the overall login process.
To complete the configuration for their personal devices, Georgia Tech users must first be enrolled in Duo two-factor authentication. (The configuration can be performed on or off an Institute campus or instructional site.) Digital certificates for personal devices are valid for five years without interruption.
The configuration is also available for Georgia Tech-owned/managed devices for up to one year without interruption. Campus members should contact their departmental IT support for assistance with Institute-owned devices.
Step-by-step guides detailing how to configure various operating systems for personal and Institute-owned devices are available in the Georgia Tech Services Portal Knowledgebase.
To get started, visit the new Georgia Tech Wi-Fi Onboarding Portal at getonline.gatech.edu.