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Northern Illinois University

College of Business - NIU

Wireless Access

Wireless access to the network is available everywhere in Barsema Hall. For instructions on wireless network set-up read our online set-up instructions.

To complete your set-up you must have a wireless card. Cards can be purchased from the Student Center Bookstore school supplies desk for $65.00.

For more information about wireless connections on the NIU campus, please click here. This link contains valuable information and a link to the Virtual Private Network (VPN) and wireless support page. NIU students need to download the NIUNet VPN client in order to access the NIU wireless network, which is available on that Web page.

iPhone or iPod touch

If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, the instructions are shown below. Please note: You must have software version 2.x, otherwise the built in VPN client will not work.

  • Go to the main screen by pushing the button at the bottom of the device
  • Enter the settings screen by touching "Settings"
  • Touch "General"
  • Touch "Network"
  • Touch "VPN"
  • Touch "Add VPN Configuration"
  • Touch "IPSec"
    1. For "Description" enter "NIU VPN"
    2. For "Server" enter "vpn1.ess.niu.edu"
    3. For "Account" enter your NIU Novell ID (formerly called z-ID)
    4. For "Password" enter the password you use for your NIU Novell ID
    5. For "Group Name" enter "wireless" (all lower case)
    6. For "Secret" enter "goldkey" (all lower case)
    7. Save the VPN Configuration
  • Return to the first Settings screen
  • Touch Wi-Fi and join the NIUVpn Wireless Network
  • Return to the first Settings screen
  • Turn the VPN on, if you entered your password in step 4 above, it will connect. If you don't want your password stored on your device, leave it blank in step 4 above and you will be prompted for your NIU Novell Password each time you connect to the NIUVpn Wireless Network.

Known Connectivity Issues

At present time, the Asus Eee PC is unable to connect to the NIU Wireless Network. If you have this brand PC, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 1(815) 753-8100 for help or to check if the issue has been resolved.

If you have additional questions please email cobtech@niu.edu.