Connecting Computers, Gaming Consoles, and Smart Devices to the Internet

Smart devices and gaming consoles can only be used on the HWS-Public network.

After accepting the terms of use, your device should be connected to the Internet. If the device does not connect, you may need to restart your device and reconnect to HWS-Public. The network is working in the background to recognize your device, and this takes time to happen. You may have to restart up to three times before the device will connect.

To troubleshoot connecting a new device:

1. Connect to the HWS-Public network

If this fails, proceed to step 2.

2. Remove power from/power down the device

Wait a few minutes before reconnecting the device to power.

3. Reconnect power to the device

4. Connect to the HWS-Public network

5. If these steps have failed, repeat powering down, waiting, repowering, and connecting

You may need to repeat these steps three times before you are successful. After the first attempt, the network is working in the background and needs time for the right things to happen.

Trouble Connecting?

  • If you are having trouble connecting to HWS-Private, make sure that you are entering your username and password correctly. If you can log into other resources such as your HWS e-mail, Canvas, or even HWS-Private on another device, your credentials are still valid. If not, contact the Help Desk for assistance.
  • If your device does not connect, it can take 1-2 days for IT Services to create a bypass and the device will need to be restarted before it will connect.

Related information

If your device is not connecting to HWS-Public after several attempts at restarting/reconnecting, you will need to provide your device’s MAC address to the IT Help Desk. Your device's MAC address is located on the device itself, in the device settings, or in the device documentation. The MAC address looks like a string of two-character groups, usually separated by a colon or dash, like this: C0-33-5E-D9-C8-D2. Submit your MAC address to the Help Desk by filling out this form.

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The HWS campus provides three for students, staff, faculty, and a public network for the community and certain devices (gaming consoles, smart TVs, other smart devices).