Registering Devices to the Network

Bryan Gibson

Last Update há 3 meses

What is Device Registration?

NOTE: If you are having trouble accessing BUother with an IoT device such as an Amazon Echo and you are using an iPhone in conjunction with this device, toggle off the Private WiFi Address and Limit IP Tracking options from Settings > WiFi then tap on the blue "i" next to BUother.

Device registration is necessary for your devices to work properly with Bradley’s network. Think of it as a simple gatekeeper application that allows certain devices onto the network while keeping unauthorized devices out, like a firewall. This prevents anyone outside of Bradley from coming on to campus and plugging a device into an ethernet port, whether their intentions are nefarious or not.

All wired devices have to be registered to access Bradley’s network. As long as the device has an ethernet port available, it should be registered for use on the wired network, even if it has the ability to connect wirelessly.

If your device is not compatible with enterprise-level security protocols such as a Nintendo Switch, Smart TV or other IoT device, then you will be permitted to register the device for use on the BUother wireless network. BUother requires registration before it will work, even though you do not have to use your Bradley credentials to log in to connect. Registration provides a thin layer of protection, but you are responsible for the security and actions of your own device.

Please note that the devices listed below (but not limited to them) are not allowed to be registered on the network:


  • Wireless printers (connect these via USB)
  • Smart bulbs (Philips Hue, LIFX, Wyze, etc)
  • Google Chromecast and Google Home devices
  • Chromecast/Chromecast Ultra
  • Google Home/Mini
  • Google Hub
    • Lovebox
    • Cameras
    • Hubs or Switches
    • Routers (outside of Main St. Commons)
    • Teslas
    • Roombas


    You can find more information about disallowed devices here.

    To register a laptop, desktop, or gaming console to the wired network:

    1. Plug one end of your Ethernet cable into the device and the other into an active wall port or access point, depending on what equipment your residence is equipped with.
    2. Navigate to https://netreg.bradley.edu
    3. Click Login, and sign in with your BUNetID and Password
    4. Once you are signed in, click My Devices > New Devices
    5. You will need to enter your devices information into all the fields, as pictured below:
    1. Enter your MAC Address in the Device Identifier field. Finding this will vary depending on your device. Please see Locate Mac Address for more information to locate your device’s MAC address.
    2. Enter the BUNetID-DeviceName in the Hostname field. The format for this is your BUNetID-device. For example, bjgibson2-laptop.
    3. Choose Student for Client Class.
    4. Select the Building that you live in from the list.
    5. Enter your Room Number. If you live in St. James, enter your building and apartment number.
    6. Leave the Device Status as Enabled.
    7. Press Add Device.
    8. Restart your device. It should be registered within 10-15 minutes of completion.

    To set up and register a router at Main St. Commons:

    DO NOT register the MAC address found on the router itself, as this one is typically incorrect. You can follow the steps below to find the correct MAC address for your device.


    For a TP-Link Router:

    1. Follow the instructions in this article to complete the initial setup process for your router. You can also use the instructional booklet that came with your router

    2. Log into your TP-Link router's admin console using the instructions in this article.

    3. You should be able to find your MAC address on that webpage. Follow the "wired network" steps above to register your device


    For a NETGEAR Router:

    1. Follow the instructions in this article to complete the initial setup process for your router. You can also use the instructional booklet that came with your router

    2. Log into your NETGEAR router's admin console. You can do that by following one of the options in this article

    3. You should be able to find your MAC address on that webpage. Follow the "wired network" steps above to register your device


    For other routers...

    The above steps should be fairly similar. You will just have to set it up and then log into the admin console to find the MAC address. If you have any trouble, feel free to reach out to the IT Service Desk at (309) 677-2964.

    To register a wireless device such as a Nintendo Switch or Smart TV to the network:

    1. Connect to BUOther as your wireless network connection.
    2. Navigate to https://netreg.bradley.edu
    3. Click Login, and sign in with your BUNetID and Password
    4. Once you are signed in, click My Devices > New Device
    5. You will need to enter your devices information into all the fields, as pictured below: 
    1. Enter your MAC Address in the Device Identifier field. Finding this will vary depending on your device. Please see Locate Mac Address for more information to locate your device’s mac address.
    2. Enter the BUNetID-DeviceName in the Hostname field. The format for this is your BUNetID-devicetype. For example, bjgibson2-laptop.
    3. Choose Student for Client Class.
    4. Select the Building that you live in from the list.
    5. Enter your Room Number. If you live in St. James, enter your building and apartment number.
    6. Leave the Device Status as Enabled.
    7. Press Add Device.
    8. Your device should be registered within 10-15 minutes of completion.

    To register any other type of device, or to receive assistance with registering your device we will need to know:

    • The device’s MAC address (some devices distinguish between wireless/WLAN or Ethernet/wired MAC address)
    • The building you are in, and room number
    • The device type
    • Your BUNetID (The first part of your email address)

    Once you have all this information, you can call the Service Desk at (309) 677-2964 or submit a ticket at https://support.bradley.edu. Instructions on how to find your MAC address can be found here. If you need assistance obtaining your device's MAC address or your username (BUnetID), contact the Service Desk.

    *If you connect to BUsecure and are ONLY asked for a password, someone is using a prohibited device. Disconnect from the connection IMMEDIATELY and report the issue and your location to the Service Desk. This type of activity will NOT be tolerated and will be reported to the office of Information Security and could result in expulsion from the University.

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