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Working with Berkeley-IoT WiFi

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5.0 - Updated on 2023-03-15 by Sean Schluntz

4.0 - Updated on 2023-03-13 by Sean Schluntz

3.0 - Updated on 2022-11-14 by Sean Schluntz

2.0 - Updated on 2022-10-21 by Sean Schluntz

1.0 - Authored on 2022-10-11 by Sean Schluntz

The Berkeley-IoT WiFi network provides service for Internet of Things (IoT) devices as well as any other devices that require a pre-shared key instead of a username and password. Berkeley-IoT provides the same WiFi service as eduroam (our primary WiFi network) so users do not experience any limitations as they would with the Visitor network.

You should use Berkeley-IoT if you have these kinds of devices:

You should use eduroam if you have these kinds of devices:

Generally you should try connecting to eduroam first. If you do not see the eduroam network your device does not support username and password based logins for WiFi and you should use Berkeley-IoT.

What kinds of CalNet accounts are supported with Berkeley-IoT?

This article covers the following topics:

Connecting to Berkeley-IoT

After you've created a password (also known as a pre-shared key) for your device following the instructions below you are ready to connect to the Berkeley-IoT network.

There are hundreds of devices, if not thousands, that will work with Berkeley-IoT so it's not possible to describe how to connect each kind. The general process to connect is:

  1. Choose Wireless from the menu

  2. Either select Berkeley-IoT from the available list of networks, or have it search for available networks and then select it. If you don't see Berkeley-IoT in the list then you are not within range of the network and you can't join

  3. Once the network has been selected you will usually be prompted to enter a password or pre-shared key. That's where you enter the key you created on Berkeley Portal

You should then connect. If you don't make sure you have the MAC for the device and haven't typoed the password.

Your device should have instructions on how to connect it to wireless networks, if you have any difficulty you should refer back to that documentation. Our help desks can help you with account problems but we can't help you figure out how to make the connection. 

Accessing the WiFi Key tab in the Berkeley Portal

  1. Browse to the WiFi Keys tab of the Berkeley Portal https://portal.berkeley.edu/people/wifi_access and scroll down to see the list of Berkeley-IoT devices in your account

  2. You may be redirected to the CalNet authentication portal, if so log in using the account you will use to manage your devices

  3. From here you can manage your eduroam accounts and Berkeley-IoT devices.

Creating Berkeley-IoT Device Accounts

  1. Browse to the WiFi Keys tab of the Berkeley Portal https://portal.berkeley.edu/people/wifi_access and scroll down to see the list of Berkeley-IoT devices in your account

    My People Card Berkeley-IoT WiFi Network Empty Device List

  2. Each CalNet ID is allowed multiple Berkeley-IoT devices, by default the list will be empty but if device have been created under the CalNet ID they will be listed

  3. Click the Create device (if you do not have any devices) or Manage devices (if you already have devices) button to enter the device manager

  4. If the system reports your account is locked please follow the link to the Information Security page for additional information, you will not be able to modify any devices until the lock is removed


  5. Click Create New 

    Manage Berkeley-IoT Devices Create New Device
  6. Enter a name for the device, it is there to help you remember what it is

  7. Enter the wireless MAC address for your device

  8. You can click Regenerate Password if you would like to see a different password. Once you've clicked Regenerate Password you can't go back to a previous password. You are not allowed to set your own password

  9. Click Save Device and it is ready to be connected to Berkeley-IoT


  10. You will be shown a reminder page that you should store your device MAC and password in a secure location
    • This is the last time you will be able to see your password
    • Be sure you store your username and password somewhere secure (such as with LastPass Premium, which is free to faculty, staff, and students)

  11. Select I have stored my password securely and then click Continue to be returned to the Berkeley-IoT device list

    WiFi Keys Manage Berieley-IoT Devices List with New Device
  12. You can click Go back to WiFi Key Management to return to My People Card

Changing Device Settings (name, password, features)

  1. Browse to the WiFi Keys tab of the Berkeley Portal https://portal.berkeley.edu/people/wifi_access and scroll down to see the list of Berkeley-IoT devices in your account


  2. In the Berkeley-IoT section click Make Changes to open the WiFi Account management page

    WiFi Keys Manage Devices Device List
  3. If the system reports the device you want to modify is Block please follow the link to the Information Security page for additional information, you will not be able to modify the device until the lock is removed

  4. Click the Edit button next to open the settings window

    WiFi Keys Change Device Information Screen
  5. From this screen you can rename your device, change the device password, or select the public IP option. 

  6. To change your device name enter the new name in the field and click Save changes. If that is the only change you've made it will not change your password

  7. To change your password
    1. Click the Change password button and a new password will be displayed, if you don't liek the one offered you can click Change password again to see other options

    2. When you are happy with your password click Save Changes and the system will update your account

    3. Your password has been changed.
      • If your device is connected it may take up to 15 minutes before it will work on the network
      • Wait until the device disconnected from the network automatically before entering the new password to reconnect

    4. You will be prompted to update your password wallet or vault with the net password
      • This is the last time you will be able to see your password
      • Be sure you store your username and password somewhere secure (such as with LastPass Premium, which is free to faculty, staff, and students

    5. Select I have stored my password securely and then click Continue to be returned to the WiFi Accounts list

  8. You will be returned to the WiFi Accounts list and can click Go back to WiFi Key Management to return to My People Card

Deleting a Device Account

  1. Browse to the WiFi Keys tab of the Berkeley Portal https://portal.berkeley.edu/people/wifi_access and scroll down to the Berkeley-IoT section


  2. Click Manage device to open the device management page

    WiFi Keys Device Management Page with Devices

  3. If the system reports your account is locked please follow the link to the Information Security page for additional information, you will not be able to modify any devices until the lock is removed

  4. If the system reports the device you want to delete is Blocked you need to follow the link to remove the block before it can be deleted

  5. Click the Delete button next to the device you wish to remove

    WiFi Keys Berkeley-IoT Delete Device Screen

  6. The delete device confirmation window will open, clicking Delete will remove the device. Clicking Cancel will stop the device deletion

  7. You will be returned to the WiFi Accounts list and can click Go back to WiFi Key Management to return to My People Card