Connecting to the Engineering Network
All devices connected to UCI networks must comply with UC & UCI policies including:
- UCInet Guidelines
- UC Computer and Network Use Policy
- UCI Guidelines for the UC Electronic Communications Policy
- UCI Security Guidelines for Computers and Devices Connected to UCInet
You must keep your devices and data secure and apply timely updates.
ZotDefend Cybersecurity Package
University-owned devices connected to the network require installing the ZotDefend Cybersecurity package. Please note that without the ZotDefend Security Package, you will not be able to access protected areas of our campus network such as KFS, Docusign, FacNet after the May 19, 2025 deadline. The list of blocked applications will grow over the course of time.
Faculty / Researchers
(including staff in labs and research centers)
Most users can self-install the cybersecurity package. If you experience any issues or have questions, contact Engineering Computing Support at security@eng.uci.edu.
Administrative Staff
(including those under the Dean's Office, Academic Departments, and users with Engineering Computing Support-managed devices)
The cybersecurity package has likely already been installed for you. Please verify compliance. If you cannot verify, please contact Engineering Computing Support at security@eng.uci.edu.
Connecting using WiFi:
UCI provides automatic network address WiFi service in most campus buildings and some outdoor locations.
- From your mobile device select the network "UCInet Mobile Access"
- Browse to uci.edu (or try http://example.com/)
- You will be prompted through Express Registration to join the UCI network.
- Login with your UCInetID and password to add your device.
- You will be registered and on the network within 2 minutes.
More details are available from OIT at https://www.oit.uci.edu/mobile/registration/
Note: static IP addresses are not available on UCInet Mobile Access WiFi
Connecting to a wired jack:
The School of Engineering networks will assign an IP address automatically on wired networks using DHCP in most of our research and administrative buildings. For other on-campus spaces see: UCI Internet Access.
Find your computer's MAC (Ethernet hardware) address for its wired Ethernet adapter/port.- Register your MAC address at https://www.oit.uci.edu/mobile/registration/
- Click the "Manual Registration" tab and login with your UCINetID and password.
- Even though it states "Mobile Access Registration", this registration is for stationary wired connections as well
- Click Add MAC Address
- Type in your MAC address
- Leave the IP Address field blank
- Add a comment describing your device
- Click Submit.
- Click the "Manual Registration" tab and login with your UCINetID and password.
- Set the computer to obtain its network address automatically from DHCP
- Plug into an active network jack (typically the one on the top right of the wallplate). Contact helpdesk@eng.uci.edu and we can find out which jacks are active in your location.
Connecting a Server / Obtaining a static IP address:
If you have a new server, and need to register a DNS name and obtain a static IP addresses you'll need to use a wired Ethernet port and follow a multi-step process submitting various forms/requests to OIT.
Start here: https://helpdesk.eng.uci.edu/content/connecting-server
Special note on Private/Random MAC Addresses:
A number of vendors have begun utilizing Private (Random) MAC Addresses for connecting to each network. It may be desirable in some instances to disable the private (randomized) MAC addresses to avoid the need to re-register your device for use on the UCI Network.
Apple
Randomized MAC address is configured for each network:
Mac
Using Mac OS Sequoia or later
- Choose Apple Menu > System Settings
- Select Wi-Fi in the sidebar
- Click the Details button or More Info button next to the network name.
- From the menu next to Private Wi-Fi Address, choose Off
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Open Settings app
- Select Wi-Fi
- Select the information button next to a network
- Disable Private Address
Apple Watch
- Open Settings app
- Select Wi-Fi
- Select the network name
- Disable Private Address
Android
Randomized MAC address is configured for each network:
- Open Settings app
- Select Network & Internet
- Select Wi-Fi
- Select the network to configure
- Select Advanced
- Select Privacy
- Disable Randomized MAC
Windows
Randomized MAC address is configured for each network:
- Select the Start button
- Select Settings
- Network & Internet
- Wi-Fi
- Manage known networks
- Select a network
- Select Properties
- Disable "Use random hardware addresses for this network"