Connect to eduroam wifi on Linux

Before you start

• These instructions have been tested on Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04. The screen layouts, settings and steps might be different for other versions of Ubuntu and alternative Linux.
• These instructions make use of a python script provided via the eduroam Configuration Assistant Tool (CAT) website. Information about how the script works is available during the download process. The script works with Python 3 (in testing it did not work with Python 2.x). If these instructions do not work for you then you should use the generic settings to make your connection.
• Make sure you are in a location where the eduroam wireless network is available.

Step 1: Connect to UniOfCam-Guest wifi network temporarily

You need to be online while you set up eduroam. You should connect via UniOfCam-Guest or another local wifi network if your College doesn't offer UniOfCam-Guest. Or you could use a wired connection.

Step 2: Create a network access token

Create a network access token for your Linux device. If you've connected to eduroam previously we still recommend that you create a new network access token.

You need to create a separate token for each of your devices and for each service. For example, if you want to connect to eduroam and the UIS VPN from both your laptop and phone, you need to create 4 tokens.

Use a meaningful username following the format CRSid+laptop@cam.ac.uk. It may be helpful to add the year if you've created network tokens previously. For example, ab123+laptop2024@cam.ac.uk. You will need to use lower case.

Keep the window with the new network access token open as you will need this when you are asked to enter a username and password later. 

Create a new network access token on the Networks Access Token website. 

Step 3: Download the eduroam Configuration Assistant Tool (CAT)

1. In a web browser, go to cat.eduroam.org (opens a new browser window).

2. Select the 'download your eduroam installer' button.

3. A pop-up window will appear listing nearby profiles, check that 'United Kingdom' is selected next to 'Show organisations in' at the bottom of this window.

    

   

    

4. If 'University of Cambridge' is not listed then search for it using the search box at the bottom of the list.

5. Select 'University of Cambridge'.

6. Select the 'Download your eduroam installer Linux' and choose 'Save File'. You will need to know where this file has been saved to (this will depend on your browser settings). If you would like more information about how the script works select the 'i' box.

    

   

    

Step 4: Run the installer to configure your connection

1. Open a terminal window ('ctrl-alt-t' should work on most platforms).

2. Go to the directory that the installer was downloaded to (for example, 'cd ~/Downloads').

3. The installer requires dbus-python to be installed, which itself requires libpython3-dev & libdbus-1-dev.

   You can do this either in a virtual environment or system wide.

   Install in a virtual environment

   • mkdir -p ~/.virtualenvs
   • python3 -m venv ~/.virtualenvs/eduroam-installer
   • source ~/.virtualenvs/eduroam-installer/bin/activate
   • sudo apt-get install build-essential libpython3-dev libdbus-1-dev
   • python3 -m pip install dbus-python
   • or Fedora/RHEL users should be able to use "sudo dnf install dbus-devel" (untested)

   Install system-wide

   Install the relevant operating system package using your package manager.

4. Once dbus-python is installed run the eduroam installer by typing 'python3 eduroam-linux-UoC-eduroam_public_CA.py'.

5. An information pop-up should appear, select 'OK'.

    

   

    

6. Select 'Yes' to continue past the next window (''This installer will only work properly if you are a member of University of Cambridge and the user group: eduroam").

7. You will now be prompted to enter your username. Enter the username for the network access token you created for this device in step 2. It should be in the format CRSid+device@cam.ac.uk, for example, abc123+laptop2024@cam.ac.uk. Select 'OK'.

    

   

    

8. Now enter the password for the network access token you created for this device. Some browsers can add extra spaces when you copy and paste so if your password isn't working, try typing it instead.

9. You will be asked to re-enter your password. Once you have done this, select 'OK'.

10. You should see the message 'Installation successful'. Select 'OK'.

     

    

     

11. Check that you connected to eduroam. Your method of doing this will vary according to your version of Linux and desktop. On Ubuntu 18.04, you should be able to do the following:

    • Click 'Activities' (top left of your screen).

    • Select the 'Settings' icon.

       

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    • Choose 'Wi-Fi' from the top of the list on the left.

    • If 'Wi-Fi' is currently turned off, turn it on using the slider at the top of this window.

    • You should see a list of available wireless networks:

    • If eduroam does not have a tick next to it, then select it to connect. 

       

      

       

    • Check your connection by clicking the settings 'gear wheel' icon next to eduroam in the list.

       

      

Step 5: Forget the UniOfCam-Guest network

Forget the UniOfCam-Guest network or your local College wifi network, if used during the set-up steps. This ensures you will connect to eduroam wifi network whenever in range.

1. Open the Activities overview and start typing "Wi-Fi".

2. Find the 'UniOfCam-Guest' network and select the cog button next to it. 

3. Select 'Forget Connection'.

Get help

If you're still unable to connect, please look through our troubleshooting guide or report an issue with the Service Desk.