Berkeley-IoT FAQs

Why can't I see Berkeley-IoT on my list of Wi-Fi networks?

Berkeley-IoT is still in testing and is not available at all UC Berkeley locations. The network will be available everywhere eduroam can be found on campus property January 10th, 2023.

What is Berkeley-IoT?

The Berkeley-IoT Wi-Fi 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. IoT provides Wi-Fi to devices that don’t support eduroam.

• Uses a passphrase like Wi-Fi at home.
• Provides the same service as eduroam
• Can replace a physical ethernet cable in most situations

What is the difference between Berkeley-IoT and eduroam and when should it be used?

The Berkeley-IoT network provides the same network access as eduroam, our primary Wi-Fi network, to devices that do not support username and password based Wi-Fi networks. In general it should be used when a device is unable to join eduroam, but a detailed description of the UC Berkeley Wi-Fi networks and their users can be found on the Technology Wi-Fi information page.

Berkeley-IoT is available to everyone who uses eduroam: Faculty, staff, students, associates, and special purpose accounts (SPA)

Why is Berkeley-IoT harder to use than my home network?

Home Wi-Fi networks are designed to be as simple as possible for people to use: one password you share with your family and friends. Every device uses that one password to quickly and easily connect.

The Berkeley-IoT Wi-Fi network is an enterprise network that has been made simpler to use, but it is still an enterprise network that requires specific settings. Berkeley-IoT needs to verify individual devices instead of allowing everything and everyone to connect.

We've made it as easy as we can, but unfortunately, it can't be as easy as at home.

Why does every Berkeley-IoT device have a different password?

When using Berkeley-IoT Wi-Fi, each device is like a separate user, and all users need to have passwords to connect to and use services at UC Berkeley.

Can I use a SPA account to manage my Berkeley-IoT devices?

Just like with eduroam, if your department, team, or lab has shared devices you can use a SPA, or Special Purpose Account, to manage access. This allows device accounts to be managed by more than one person and is better than having everything under an individual account. Learn more about SPA accounts on the CalNet website: calnet.berkeley.edu.

Why does my device tell me UPnP Not Successful?

UPnP is something home networks do to make it easier for the internet to talk to your device. UPnP is needed for things like multiplayer games on PlayStation and XBox so the game systems can talk to each other over the internet. Enterprise networks like Berkeley-IoT do not support UPnP, but you can follow these steps to get your device working:

• Edit the device that needs UPnP on the Berkeley-IoT device management page. On the edit window there is a checkbox for "Public IP?" select it and click “Save Changes.”
• The next time your device connects to Berkeley-IoT it will be given a different type of internet address, one that doesn't need UPnP. If your device is already connected you will need to reboot it so it can reconnect and get the new address.

Please be aware that your device is now on the internet without any protections, so be sure it's up to date and if it has a firewall it is enabled.