/
Whitman Wireless

Whitman Wireless

Sept 25, 2025

Wireless network enables properly-equipped computers to connect to the internet and/or campus network without a network cable. The wireless network works by radio—network card in your computer transmits and receives information from network-access-points installed across the campus by high-frequency radio waves. Wireless is available throughout the Whitman campus, including some outdoor areas.

Summary

This article provides an overview of the available ways to access the Internet for Whitman community members and guests via Whitman Campus Networks. It explains the purpose of each network, how to connect to them, and where to find reliable coverage across campus.  Topics covered include:

  • Wi-Fi network names and when to use them:
    • Whitman_Secure
    • Whitman_Devices
    • Whitman_Guest
  • Locations of good outdoor wireless coverage on campus
  • Wired network access

Wi-Fi network names and when to use them

Whitman provides both wireless (Wi-Fi)  and wired connectivity, wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity is achieved through multiple networks based on user type and device needs. Students, faculty, staff, and guests can connect to the internet using the appropriate network and settings for their devices.

Whitman_Secure

Whitman Secure is the main network for Whitman community members who have a Whitman username and password. This network enables you to access the Internet as well as whitman whitman resources (such as file storage and printing services and more).

Whitman_Devices

Whitman Devices is a network that is used for devices that cannot connect to Whitman Secure (like smart TVs, game consoles, wireless printers and more). 

In order to be able to use this network, you will need to fill out a form to register your device for access. For more information about manual registration of your device please visit the Registration Guide.

  1. Locate your device’s MAC address (if you don’t know how, google the “find MAC address for [name of your technology]
  2.  Fill out the  Manual Device Registration form.


Whitman_Guest

Whitman Guest is available for visitors to campus who do not have a Whitman username and password. This network is intended for basic Web browsing (searching on google or other search engines like bing and more.) and email only. It does not offer access to Whitman resources.


Wired Network Access

The term “wired connection” refers to the set of technologies that enable internet and/or network access via an ethernet cable.  The cable is plugged into a computer or other wired-connection-ready device and also to a connection spot typically found on a wall (or sometimes a device that then plugs into a wall) .  Whitman College provides wired access through wall plugs (“ports” or “jacks”) found throughout most campus buildings. 


Locations of good outdoor wireless coverage on campus

Generally speaking, the areas marked in the red rectangles on the map provide the best wireless coverage outside of dorms and other campus facilities. However, other areas might also have wireless access with a weaker signal.


Troubleshooting

Visit the sections below to learn how to troubleshoot your wireless connection.

Wireless Configuration: 

Some smartphones may require you to configure your wireless configuration.  Try these settings:

  • EAP method: PEAP
  • Phase 2 auth: MSCHAPV2
  • CA certificate: use system certificates or Do Not Validate
  • Domain: whitman.edu
  • Identity: Whitman user id
  • Password: Whitman password

Ubuntu Linux Configuration

For students using Ubuntu Linux*, or those enrolled in Computer Sciences:

 

  • WiFi-Security : WPA & WPA2 Enterprise
  • Authentication : Protected EAP (PEAP)
  • CA certificate is blank
  • Checkbox: No CA certificate is required
  • PEAP version : Automatic
  • Inner authentication : MSCHAPv2
  • Username: Whitman user id
  • Password: Whitman password
  • Randomized MAC address: Use device MAC address

*Works for versions 16.04.X LTS and later

If you are not seeing any available networks:

Try using whitman_secure_2  

  • In the network settings on your device you should be able to manually connect to a network (usually this is a button called "add network" however this depends on the type of device that you are on).
  • Once there you should see a menu that asks you for a network name, security, and a password. 
  • For the network name please put "whitman_secure_2" 
  • For security please select "WPA/WPA2-Enterprise" this will then add a few new options for you to fill out. 
    • For Mac computers choose "WPA2 Enterprise"
  • For EAP method please select "PEAP". 
    • For Mac computers set the Mode to Automatic
  • The identity and password sections will be the same as your Whitman login. 
  • For CA certificate select "Don't validate"


whitman_devices_2

  • After completing the Manual Device Registration
  • In the network settings on your device you should be able to manually connect to a network (usually this is a button called "add network" however this depends on the type of device that you are on).
  • Once there you should see a menu that asks you for a network name, security, and a password. 
  • For the network name please put "whitman_devices_2" 
  • For security please select "None"