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Wireless and mobile computing (WiFi)

You can access the internet on your mobile device via a wireless (WiFi) network that serves many areas of Birkbeck. There are two ways of connecting: Eduroam and BBK-WiFi. Printing is also available if you are connected wirelessly. Read our Wireless Network Policy.

If you have a problem with accessing WiFi and need support, or wish to provide feedback on the coverage across Birkbeck, please contact us using Ask. Birkbeck staff should raise an Ask request in My Birkbeck for Staff.

EDUROAM

Eduroam is an international service that allows staff and students at participating educational organisations to connect to the internet.

You need to initially configure eduroam with your Birkbeck credentials before you can start using it (see below), but, once configured, the service will work automatically at any eduroam location around the world. 

Reset your password

From 21 October 2024, before you can connect to eduroam you must reset your password before following any of the steps below.

  1. If you are on campus, please connect to the open BBK-WiFi service (otherwise, ensure your device is connected to the internet by some other means).
  2. Please reset your Birkbeck password and follow the instructions.
  3. If Eduroam was previously set up on your laptop, you may want to 'forget' the Eduroam profile.

HOW TO CONNECT TO EDUROAM FOR BIRKBECK STAFF AND STUDENTS

  • Please ensure that you have reset your password (see above) before following these steps.
  • You need to download and run an installer for your device (see below) before you can connect to eduroam. When you run the installer it will download a security certificate. 
  • You can run the installer:
    • from the open BBK-WiFi network if you are on campus
    • from a broadband or 4G/5G connection
    • while connected to eduroam (if you need to upgrade).
  • Download and install the eduroam Configuration Assistant Tool (CAT) (press 'Click here to download our eduroam installer').
  • Select your country (on mobile devices) and your institution ('Birkbeck College'). The page will automatically detect your operating system and download the correct installer for your device when prompted.
  • You will be prompted for your username and your new password.
  • Please note: Username must be in the form of username@bbk.ac.uk (e.g. ubasmi001@bbk.ac.uk) and not your normal email address. User your newly set password.
  • If the CAT tool doesn't automatically run, please refer to the eduroam installer pages (you will need to log in to M365 to access SharePoint).
  • Once the above steps are complete, select the 'eduroam' WiFi network and your device will automatically connect.

HOW TO CONNECT TO EDUROAM FOR VISITORS

  • Visitors to Birkbeck from other eduroam institutions should be automatically connected to the network if they have a configured device.
  • Please contact your home institution for support with eduroam, but below are some general instructions that might be of assistance:
    • Visit the eduroam Configuration Assistant Tool (CAT) to begin the installation. Select your country (on mobile devices) and your institution. The page will automatically detect your operating system and download the correct installer for your device when prompted.
    • If you are reinstalling, you should remove the old eduroam profile from your IOS or Android device before proceeding.
  • If you are not from an eduroam institution, you should use the 'BBK-WiFi' network instead.

GUEST WIFI

Due to a number of technical issues over the summer, Birkbeck's usual guest WiFi network is temporarily unavailable. It has been replaced by the BBK-WiFi service.

The 'BBK-WiFi' network is for guest users who need temporary access for conferences and events. It can also be used to set up your device for eduroam.

Please note: Newer devices that are connected to this service will have data encrypted (you will see 'enhanced open' in the connection details). Data exchanged by older devices may not be encrypted, similar to services provided in public areas such as cafes. Your data may be intercepted and read by others. We strongly recommend using a personal VPN when using this service.

Students and staff may also use this service, but we recommend that they also connect to a VPN (SharePoint link, accessible only to staff and students).

HOW TO ARRANGE ACCESS AT YOUR CONFERENCE

  • Birkbeck staff organising conferences and events can request guest accounts for use by their delegates.
  • These accounts are time-limited and are set up by Information Services (for Birkbeck staff) or the Room Bookings team (for external organisations), in advance of the conference.

HOW TO CONNECT AS A DELEGATE OR VISITOR

  • Conference delegates should connect to the BBK-WiFi wireless network, review and confirm acceptance of Birkbeck's wireless policy, and then can log in using the time-limited account provided. View our instructions on how to access guest WiFi.
  • Visitors to Birkbeck can make a request to access the network, authorised by a sponsor in the department they are visiting. Any Birkbeck staff wishing to be set up as a sponsor should raise an Ask request in My Birkbeck for Staff.