Dot11: Connecting your devices to Dot11 Wi-Fi

Dot11 supports all devices. Here we show you how to get them connected.

Dot11 runs on WPA2 Enterprise level security as standard. This ensures your network is secure from prying eyes but may be a little different to set up compared with many other Wi-fi networks. Part #3 of the Dot11 Basics series shows you how to get all of your devices connected.

1. Before you get started 
2. Connecting computers, tablets and smartphones 
3. Connecting printers and other devices

Before you get started

Before you get started there are a few bits you need to know.

Check that your device supports WPA2 Enterprise security protocols.

Firstly, have your device(s) ready and make sure they support WPA2 Enterprise security protocols (the technical specifications for your device will provide this information). Most modern smartphones, tablets and computers support WPA2 Enterprise, while many other wireless-enabled devices do not (such as Wi-Fi speakers, many Small Office / Home Office printers, televisions etc).

For any devices which do not support WPA2, please contact us so that we can prepare a single-use Pre-Shared Key (WPA Personal / WPA PSK) for you to connect with.

Make sure you've got your username and password.

Secondly, you must have your Dot11 login credentials to hand. If you are the Dot11 Administrator for your business, these are the details we sent to you when you signed up for Dot11. If you are a user that is not an administrator you will need to speak to your company's administrator so they can set an account up for you.

If your business does not yet have Dot11 login credentials please contact us to find out how this can be arranged.

A quick note about accounts and device limits

Once you have been given your username and password it's important you understand how the accounts work. You are provided with a specific username and password which connects you to the correct local network - these are for your use only.

The username and password will work on up to 3 devices simultaneously - each device you connect will automatically be registered against your account. If you reach the limit of 3 devices you will need to remove one or more of them to connect a new device. 

If you are trying to connect a fourth device you will receive an email informing you that you've reached your device limit. You'll need to turn Wi-Fi off on the device(s) you want to replace before asking your administrator to remove your existing devices from your account. After this, the first three devices you (re)connect to Dot11 will be registered against your account.

Connecting computers, tablets and smartphones

The below instructions are for devices that support WPA2 Enterprise security protocols.

This process varies depending on the operating system you are using so please read carefully. Once you have successfully signed in using your username and password you will remain signed in every time you rejoin the network.

Mac OS

For Apple devices running Mac OS:

1. Find 'Dot11' in the list of wireless networks and click to connect
2. Enter your username and password
3. Accept the security certificate
4. You're connected!
   
   

Windows

Initial set up on Windows computers is slightly different - please view the video below or follow the attached guide at the bottom of this page. Once you have completed all of the steps in this guide you will automatically reconnect in the future.

        

Apple iOS

Connecting to Dot11 on an iPhone or iPad is the same as on Mac OS:

1. Find 'Dot11' in the list of wireless networks and click to connect
2. Enter your username and password
3. Accept the security certificate
4. You're connected!
   
   
   
   

Android OS

Android devices are slightly different - they all use the word 'Identity' in place of 'username'.

1. Find the 'Dot11' Wi-Fi network and click on it.
2. Enter your username in the Identity field and your password in the Password field.
3. You will connect immediately to Dot11 - you will need to accept the security certificate.
   
   

Connecting printers and other devices

If your device does not support WPA2 Enterprise, as is the case with many printers, speakers and televisions, you will need to request a single-use Pre-Shared Key from our support team. Once you have this, follow these instructions to get connected:

1. On your device, find the option to manually add a wireless network. You will be connecting to a hidden network called "PRINTERS".
2. The SSID / network name is "PRINTERS" without quotes. Enter this into the SSID / network name box when prompted.
3. If requested, choose WPA Personal / WPA PSK from the list of security methods.
4. When prompted for your password, enter the Pre-Shared Key we have provided to you.
5. Hit confirm or save. Your device should now be connected to your network.
6. To test you can look at the "Wi-Fi Status" or "Wireless network diagnostics" to check the IP address of the device. The first three parts of the IP address should match the first three parts of the IP address your computers and other devices receive.

If you're having any trouble setting up a device using a Pre-Shared Key please contact support and we'll be happy to assist you.

See the next article in the series: Dot11 Basics #4: But my network needs to be set up in a different way!