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How to connect to eduroam using the CAT installer on Linux

Note: These instructions are for configuring eduroam for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Bionic Beaver). 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 should work with Python 2.7 or Python 3. If these instructions do not work for you then you should use the generic settings to make your connection.

Before you begin, make sure you:

  • are in a location where the eduroam wireless network is available
  • have your @cam email address handy
  • have created a network access token for your device on the UIS token page.

 

1

Download the eduroam CAT installer:

  • In a web browser, go to cat.eduroam.org (opens a new browser window).
  • Click the 'download your eduroam installer' button.
  • 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.

eduroam CAT organisation list

  • If 'University of Cambridge' is not listed then search for it using the search box at the bottom of the list.
  • Select 'University of Cambridge'.
  • You will now see two clickable boxes - 'Download your eduroam installer Linux' and an information box 'i'. If you would like more information about how the script works click on 'i'.

Linux eduroam cat download and info screen

  • When you are happy to continue click on the download button and choose 'Save File'. You will need to know where this file has been saved to (this will depend on your browser settings).

 

2

Run the installer to configure your connection

  • Open a terminal window ('ctrl-alt-t' should work on most platforms).
  • Go to the directory that the installer was downloaded to (e.g. 'cd ~/Downloads').
  • Run the installer by typing 'python3 eduroam-linux-UoC-eduroam.py'.
  • An information pop-up should appear, click 'OK'.

Linux eduroam cat info screenshot

  • Click '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.").
  • You will now be prompted to enter your username. Enter the username for the network access token you created for this device on the UIS token page. It should be in the format CRSid+device@cam.ac.uk – for example, abc123+myworkpc@cam.ac.uk – and click 'OK'.

  • Now enter the password for the network access token you created for this device.
  • You will be asked to re-enter your password. Do so, and click 'OK'.
  • If all is well, you'll see the message 'Installation successful'. Click 'OK'.

Linux eduroam cat install success screenshot

 

3

Check your connection to eduroam or attempt to connect 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 Linux eduroam settings icon screenshot.
  • 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:

Linux eduroam wifi status screenshot B

  • If eduroam does not have a tick next to it, then click on the box it is in. You should now connect.
  • Check your connection by clicking the settings 'gear wheel' icon next to eduroam in the list.

Linux eduroam wifi status screenshot 2

 

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