Caltech-IoT Wireless
Caltech-IoT is a wireless network for devices that cannot connect to Caltech Secure. Many printers, sensors, and media devices cannot sign in with a username and password. Caltech-IoT lets them connect with a personal network password instead.
Features
- Works with devices that do not support WPA2-Enterprise
- A personal password for you or your group, valid for 3 years
- Password can be extended before it expires
- Nearby users on Caltech Secure, eduroam, and Caltech Visitor can print and cast to your devices
| Who can use it | Cost |
|---|---|
| Anyone with active access.caltech credentials who needs to connect a device that cannot use Caltech Secure | Free |
Which devices belong here
Use Caltech-IoT for devices that cannot connect to Caltech Secure, such as:
- Printers
- Temperature and other monitoring devices
- Audio and video equipment
- Smart bulbs and similar smart-home devices
- Game consoles and media devices
If your device can sign in with a username and password, or has a WPA2-Enterprise or 802.1X setting, connect it to Caltech Secure instead. Laptops, tablets, and phones should always use Caltech Secure.
Devices on Caltech-IoT can be used by people nearby. Someone on Caltech Secure, eduroam, or Caltech Visitor can print to a printer or cast to a display on Caltech-IoT when they are close to it. A device appears only to people near the access point it connects to, or near neighboring access points.
If you own a display or casting device, we recommend turning on its passcode or password option. Most Apple TVs, Chromecasts, and similar devices can show a code on screen that a person must enter before connecting. Check your device's AirPlay or casting settings. For a printer, check its settings for a PIN or secure-print option if it offers one.
If you are casting to a device and it shows a code on screen, enter that code to connect.
How to get access
- Open a ticket at ServiceNow and choose Caltech-IoT Access Request. You will need your access.caltech login.
- In the ticket, include a list of your devices, the building and room where they are, and a short acknowledgement of the responsibilities below.
- We will send you a personal password, valid for 3 years. You or your group can use it for all your devices.
- On each device, select Caltech-IoT and enter the password.
Your responsibilities
- Keep the password private. Do not share it with visitors, and do not use it to avoid connecting to Caltech Secure. Caltech's Acceptable Use policy says passwords issued to users are for their use only.
- You are responsible for the traffic. The person who holds the password is responsible for all traffic from devices that use it.
- Report a compromised password right away. If you think someone else has the password, open a new ticket so we can reset it. After a reset, every device that used the old password needs the new one
Renewing your password
Your password is valid for 3 years. We do not send a reminder, so note your expiration date when you receive it. To extend the password, open a ticket before that date.
If your device doesn't connect
Caltech-IoT is available on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Move the device closer to an access point and check that its Wi-Fi is turned on. If it still doesn't appear, open a ticket.
Choose WPA2 Personal (also shown as WPA2-PSK). [Devices that only support WPA3 may not connect.]
Connect it to Caltech Secure instead. The Caltech-IoT password is not for devices that can use Caltech Secure.
Printers and displays appear only when you are close to them, near the access point they use or one next to it. Move closer and try again.
Turn on the passcode or password option in your device's casting or AirPlay settings. For a printer, look for a PIN or secure-print setting. If you can't stop it, open a ticket and tell us which device and where it is.
Need Help?
If you still cannot connect, contact the IMSS Help Desk
Online: ServiceNow
Phone: 626.395.3500
Email: [email protected]
Remote Help: TeamViewer
In-Person: 367 S. Holliston Avenue
Room 204 (Bldg. 85)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
You can also try the Wireless Troubleshooting page.