VCU Wireless Network

It's Here! - VCU SafeNet Wireless!

VCU has switched on the SafeNet Wireless network. SafeNet Wireless is the way to get online at VCU without those bulky cables. This service provides the VCU community with a safe, encrypted online experience that applies a higher level of security to wireless computing. But the advantages of SafeNet Wireless don't stop there. After the initial setup you are not required to log back in to the service every time you attach to the SafeNet Wireless network unless your computer's wireless software does not support this feature. You will only be asked to sign back in to the service if your eID password has changed.

You should now see "VCU SafeNet Wireless" as one of the available wireless networks on campus. In order to access SafeNet Wireless you will need to follow the steps included in the document links below based on which operating system your computer or device uses. You will only have to follow these instructions the first time you are logging in to SafeNet Wireless.  After that, you will  not have to authenticate again on the same device using the SafeNet system until your eID password changes. However, keep in mind that each new device requires this one time set up.  

NOTE: For MS Windows computers we have seen that most Intel and Broadcom wireless network cards do support the SafeNet protocols.  This is not true of all models in these product lines.  If you do not have wireless network card from either of these manufacturers please try to locate the wireless utility for your wireless network card and follow the steps laid out below in the Windows XP or Windows Vista documents. If you are unable to connect to SafeNet Wireless you may still use the old "VCU" wireless network to connect to a wireless network.  More information on using the old "VCU" wireless network can be found at the bottom of this page.

Windows XP Setup

Windows Vista Setup

Windows Vista Wireless Card Password Reset

Mac OS X Setup

iPhone/iPod touch Setup

Linux Setup

 What About The Old Wireless Network?

The old VCU wireless network is still available for use by anyone in the VCU Community with an eID. However, this wireless network does not provide the level of encryption that SafeNet Wireless provides and should not be used for activities such as online purchases or banking. Should you decide to use this wireless network you will see an  SSID of "VCU" when you activate the wireless network device. Once you connect to this wireless network you will have to open a browser which will in turn prompt you to enter your eID and password before you can continue. The old wireless network will remain active for the time being but at some point this network will be retired.