Wireless access at Penn consists of the main AirPennNet network, AirPennNet-Guest (used to connect visitors or configure a device for AirPennNet), and AirPennNet-Device, a specialized network for devices that cannot use AirPennNet. Additionally, Penn is a participant in the eduroam network.
AirPennNet
AirPennNet is the University’s campus-wide wireless network permitting secure and convenient network access in campus buildings and residence halls. AirPennNet offers secure access to PennNet (the University's data network), encrypting user data over the wireless airwaves. AirPennNet is available in most but not all campus buildings.
To connect your device to AirPennNet for the first time, you first need to connect to Connect to AirPennNet. See the Getting connected section below for detailed instructions.
AirPennNet-Guest
AirPennNet-Guest is a network that both allows PennKey holders to configure their devices for AirPennNet, and provide guest access to the network. Using the prompts to connect with a PennKey will configure devices for full network access using the AirPennNet network. Additional information for each OS type can also be found at the Connect to AirPennNet information page.
Connecting as a guest using AirPennNet-Guest gives access to a wireless network with limited bandwidth, access, and no encryption, which is set up for use by visitors to Penn. Registration of devices on AirPennNet-Guest must be renewed daily. AirPennNet-Guest is located in the same coverage areas where AirPennNet is found.
AirPennNet-Device
AirPennNet-Device is a wireless network designed for devices that cannot connect to AirPennNet. It is meant for devices such as Kindles, Nooks, gaming consoles, and more.
To use the Device network, you will need to register the MAC address of your device on the AirPennNet-Device portal. For assistance finding your device’s MAC address, please consult your Local Support Provider (LSP). If you are unsure who to contact, please see the Who is My LSP? page for information on how to contact your school or center’s LSP.
Group management access can be created for schools and centers that need to register devices not owned by an individual. Groups should be used to manage devices not associated to an individual such as control or monitoring devices and pools of loaner laptops or tablets. Please contact your Local Support Provider (LSP) to request the creation of a group.
eduroam
eduroam is a secured wireless network that allows students, faculty and staff to use their home institution's credentials (for Penn affiliates, their PennKey) to access wireless network services, when visiting other eduroam participating institutions without having to set up a guest account. eduroam can be found in all locations where AirPennNet service is available.
Visitors to Penn from other institutions that participate in eduroam should obtain configuration instructions and installation software from their home institution.
Configuring eduroam
Penn affiliates who wish to configure eduroam on their wireless devices can download an installation wizard from:
Using eduroam at other participating institutions
First ensure your device is configured properly on Penn's eduroam network. At a participating eduroam institution, connect to the eduroam network.
A list of other participating institutions can be found on the eduroam website: