Who is this information for
This page gives technical details of how the UniOfCam-IoT is implemented at the University of Cambridge. The information is for technical staff working in Colleges, departments and other institutions.
When to use UniOfCam-IoT
UniOfCam-IoT is intended for staff and students to connect personal devices that can't be connected to eduroam while in University or College buildings where the University Wireless Service is available. This could include:
- media streaming devices like Apple TV
- smart speakers like Amazon Echo
- personal printers
Registered devices are associated with a user's CRSid. In its current iteration, it's not intended for devices that are used by lots of people in an institution, like a shared office printer or infrastructure devices like a building management system.
Features of the UniOfCam-IoT
This system allows users to register non-802.1x devices to a service set identifier (SSID) called UniOfCam-IoT via Media Access Control (MAC) Address registration.
The latest version of the system includes:
- Device MAC Address registration for personal non-802.1x devices
- A simple web-based user interface for users to log in with their CRSid and manage devices (add, edit, delete or change MPSK password)
- The ability to receive MPSK passwords via SMS or email
- AirGroup (device discovery and communication) functionality between devices associated with the same CRSid and connected via eduroam or the MPSK SSID.
Limitations
- To connect to this service, devices must be able to accept a pre-shared key password (WPA2-PSK or WPA3-SAE).
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This service does not support devices that randomise (periodically change) MAC address.
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The UniOfCam-IoT facility will only work on wifi networks provided by the University Wireless Service. It is not available on other networks, for example, some College wifi networks.
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The AirGroup service is only available on devices connected via the UniOfCam-IoT SSID and the eduroam SSID and associated with the same user's credentials.
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Users cannot share connectivity to their devices with others. For example, to allow a friend or colleague to Airplay to their Apple TV.
Future developments
We hope to add new features to the UniOfCam-IoT in future iterations. We hope to add functionality such as:
- Expanded AirGroup functionality to enable users to electively share device connectivity with other CRSids
- More-complex support for institutional devices
We'll provide further details on future service features.
Last updated: Mar 2024