About the ncsu Network

The ncsu network, or Nomad network, is an unsecure and unencrypted network that allows you to connect devices that are not compatible with eduroam (e.g, video game consoles and smart televisions) to the internet, and it can be used to establish a wired network connection in residence halls. The ncsu network should not be used for sensitive work.

If your device is eligible to connect to eduroam (e.g. laptops, phones, and tablets), NC State strongly encourages you to enroll your device in eduroam, which is a secure and encrypted network, and use eduroam when possible.

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Enroll Your Device

Enrolling your device in Nomad will allow your device to automatically log into the ncsu wireless network (without requiring a manual Unity login each time), and it will allow you to use wired connections in residence halls (for students).

1. Find the MAC address of the device you want to enroll. The MAC address is a string of 12 characters that uniquely identifies your device.
   • Note: If your device can use a wireless connection or a wired connection, then it may have different MAC addresses for each method. Make sure that you select the correct MAC address for what you're trying to enroll (for wireless or wired).
   • Find the MAC Address on Your Gaming Console
   • Find the MAC Address on Misc. Devices (including smart TVs)
   • Find the MAC Address on Your Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS Devices
2. Connect a computer or tablet to the eduroam or ncsu network on campus. You cannot use VPN.
3. Go to nomad.ncsu.edu on your computer or tablet.
4. Select Nomad Wireless Registration System. 
5. Log in with your Unity credentials. Select Accept.
6. Select Add Device from the menu on the leftmost side of the page.
7. Enter a Description for the device (e.g., “My Xbox” or "MacBook Pro").
8. Erase whatever is in the MAC address field.
9. Enter the MAC address of the device you are trying to connect, as found in Step 1, in the MAC field.
10. Select Add Device at the bottom of the page, underneath the form.

Note that it can take some time (generally up to 30 minutes) for device registration to complete.

After you have enrolled your device and waited for the registration to complete, you can follow the relevant instructions for Connect Your Device to the ncsu Wireless Network or Use Wired Network Connections in Residence Halls to connect your device to the network.

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Troubleshooting Tips

• Wait 30 minutes before trying to connect to the campus network. Device registration can take up to 30 minutes.
• Restart your device, including completely unplugging it from its power source.
• Leave the device off and do not connect it to a power source for an extended amount of time, such as several hours. Then try turning it on and connecting it to the network.

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Get Help

• Go to the OIT Walk-in Center. Be sure to bring the device that you are trying to connect with you.
• Contact the NC State Help Desk by reporting an issue in the IT Service Portal, where you can also browse articles, guides, and FAQs, or by calling 919-515-4357 (HELP).
• Contact the Network Operations Center (NOC) for questions about the Nomad Registration system by emailing network@ncsu.edu or calling 919-513-9675.