CUI offers 3 separate WiFi networks for anyone on campus. Each contains a different level of security and a separate method of logging in.
CUI_Open (or CUI-Guest)
The free-for-all guest access network, CUI_Open requires an email address before allowing access to the internet. This email does not have to be associated with Concordia, we simply ask for an email address for verification. No password is required.
CUI_WPA2 (or CUI-Shared)
This network is accessible via a PSK (pre-shared key). This PSK ensures that your network communicates are encrypted and secure. This network is not intended for employee devices that require access to internal University resources and data -- instead, please use CUI_Secure / CUI-Enterprise. If you do not know, or have forgotten the PSK, please reach out to our Tech Support staff, and we'll be happy to assist.
CUI_Secure (or CUI-Enterprise)
This network is accessible via your CUI Credentials. Using your CUI credentials ensures that only authorized users have access to the resources they need, while creating an encrypted and secure connection to the wireless network. Internal, University data and applications are only accessible while connected to this network, so it is recommended that employee workstations remain connected to this network. However, please bear in mind that if your device saves your CUI credentials for wireless networks, remember to update your passphrase for that network. Otherwise, your account will be locked out due to your device attempting to connect with your old password!
Offices, classrooms, and most* dorms will have ethernet ports, allowing access to a wired internet connection while on campus. This wired connection has several advantages. The big advantage of using ethernet is stability and speed. An ethernet connection provides a significantly better connection, affecting upload and download speed since it does not have to travel wirelessly and be affected by other devices taking up bandwidth.
The second advantage is that a wired connection provides all of the same resources that CUI_Secure does. If you have access to a shared drive folder, it can be viewed both on CUI_Secure as well as a wired connection.
To connect to an ethernet port, a CAT5 cable (almost always blue-in-color) needs to be plugged into the port on the wall. Most desktop and laptop computers will already have a port for the other end of the cable, but some may require an adapter. After the cable is plugged in on both sides, the wired connection will automatically start.
If you need one of these cables, or an adapter to connect to one, feel free to stop by the IT Office in Admin 209 and we can provide what we have!
Additionally, if one of these wall ports is broken or looks out of place, please contact us with a description and location of the issue!
*Sigma does not have readily available ethernet ports in most rooms.
A VPN extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.
For Concordia, this means that users with a VPN can access Concordia's network from anywhere - they do not have to be on campus. This is essential for working from home as it allows you to access network only resources like the shared drive.
At the moment, due to Covid-19, all Staff and Faculty computers are equipped with three separate VPN connections for use at any time. These connections are called CUI VPN-A, CUI VPN-B, and CUI VPN-C. All three connections function the same, so it does not matter which one you use. To sign in to a VPN, you will need to enter your E# and SSO Password.
If your VPN is not working, check to make sure that you are connected to a local network first. Your computer will need to be connected to another network first, such as your home WiFi. If this connection is confirmed and there are still issues with your VPN, please call us at 949-214-3175 or email us at its@cui.edu and we'll be happy to help!