Network and Internet Troubleshooting

Seattle Pacific University provides options for both wired and wireless connectivity throughout campus. Here are some brief troubleshooting steps to consider before contacting CIS to report an issue.

Disable MAC Address Randomization

We strongly recommend disabling the MAC Address Randomization feature when connecting to SPU's network.  For SPU-Wireless you can do so by going to your computer's settings, navigating to the Wi-fi options, tap the information button/gear icon/properties button next to SPU-Wireless, turn off private or random address, and re-join SPU-Wireless.  A similar procedure can be used for SPU-Guests or even wired Ethernet connections.

If you have never connected the device in question to the network before:

• SPU requires all devices to be registered to a named user. Have you registered the device yet? If not, try launching a web browser and going to a site you don't frequently visit. If you are not registered but everything else is ok, a web browser request may trigger redirection to the registration/login page.
• Wired network jacks in Residence Halls require that the jack you are plugging into be active. If you have not requested and received activation, submit a request here.
• If you are trying to connect a device that does not have a web browser (needed for registering), you will need to request a manual registration. Note that you will need to (1) request port activation (for res-hall wired connections); (2) know your devices MAC address. (See Links below for information on locating your device's MAC address.)
• Is all of your device software up-to-date? Many connectivity issues are resolved with the most current device drivers and patches - check your devices's software update status to make sure everything is current.

If your device has previously been connected but is now having difficulties:

• Check the CIS Technology Blog or Twitter feed (@SPUHelpDesk) for updates on any known network outages (from a device that can connect to the network, of course!)
• Check to see if you are getting a valid IP address - valid SPU addresses will begin with 72.233.xxx.xxx (Consult your device setting to determine its IP address).
• Launch a web browser and go to a site you don't frequently visit to make sure you don't need to register the device.

If you are trying to connect to the campus wireless network:

• Make sure you are associating with the correct SSID - students and employees should connect personal devices to the "SPU-Wireless" network; campus guests should connect to "SPU-Guests."
• Launch a we browser and go to a site you don't frequently visit to make sure you don't need to register the device.
• Make sure your wireless drivers are up-to-date - check your devices system settings to be sure.

Are you trying to connect two personal devices using the wireless network?

• If you have two devices on the wireless network (like a printer and a laptop), they most likely won't be able to communicate with each other - this is by design. But if you are having difficulty, check with us to make sure there isn't a way to get things working as you would like. Typically you will need to use a direct cable or Bluetooth connection to connect personal devices together.

If all else fails, please contact the CIS HelpDesk where many of our friendly and knowledgeable technicians will be happy to help you get things fixed.  Typically, knowing your device's MAC address will be the initial step is helping us diagnose your connectivity issue.

You may call 206-281-2982, send an email to help@spu.edu, or drop in at the CIS HelpDesk office located in Lower Marston Hall for further assistance.