Students, staff, visitors, and alumni of Trinity College Dublin or TCD can enjoy free WiFi on campus. So, how to connect to TCD WiFi?
TCD made it simpler for students to connect to their WiFi network by introducing TCDConnect. The program allows you to access the data network quickly.
If you decide not to use the service anymore, you can just remove it from your list of favorite networks.
How can you connect to TCD WiFi? It’s easy.
To connect to TCD WiFi, click the WiFi icon on your device. Select TCDwifi from the list to connect to it. Enter the short version of your school username and network login password. After connecting, you will need to register your device via the registration page.
Before we proceed to the full steps of connecting to the TCD WiFi using different devices, let us discuss who can connect to the network.
Who Can Connect to TCD WiFi
The TCDConnect service allows you to connect to the wired or wireless network.
It is a self-service process available for a short timeframe as long as you can meet the necessary software and security requirements. Who will find this information useful?
✅ Students – Trinity students who wish to connect to the TCDConnect service can use the campus WiFi. They can use it to access the Internet to check on emails and other Internet-based services.
✅ Faculty and Staff – Faculty and staff members of TCD also have access to the campus WiFi. They can connect to the network using TCD computers or their personal devices.
✅ Alumni – Alumni of the school are given short-term access from their personal laptops, tablets, and smartphones during their visit to the campus.
✅ Guests and visitors – Only visiting short-term, authorized guests of Trinity College Dublin can connect to the TCDguest WiFi using their personal computers.
The service is available for 28 days maximum and is not intended for staff and students.
These are the people qualified to access the TCD WiFi.
If you are a student, staff, alumni, or guest of the school, you can get a valid Trinity username and password by logging into the website and completing the online registration.
Full Steps on How to Connect to TCD WiFi Easily
Since TCD is a large institution, its network and WiFi access have different levels. Of course, the faculty, staff, and students get priority access.
Although guests and visitors can also connect to the WiFi, with limited access.
TCD’s WiFi network, called TCD Connect, supports virtually every type of device and operating system.
Whether you have a laptop or a phone, you can surely connect to their WiFi service whenever you’re on campus.
Step #1: How to Connect Your Windows Laptop to TCD WiFi Network
Windows are one of the most popular platforms that students use. The laptops are versatile, allowing you to do different things, from surfing the web to typing documents and gaming.
These tasks require an internet connection, so it’s important that you have access to the TCD network.
Connecting your Windows device to the TCD WiFi is simple. However, it’s not as straightforward as other networks. It’s more secure and requires registering your laptop for the service.
Here’s how to connect your Windows laptop to the TCD WiFi network:
- Click on the WiFi or Network icon on the system tray in the bottom right corner.
- Select TCDwifi, then check the Connect automatically box.
- Click on the Connect button.
- Type in your Trinity username and your network password.
Note: There are instances when you will need to restart your computer first so the TCD Connect login page will appear.
Step #2: Connect Your Mac to the TCD WiFi Network
Another popular computer that faculty and students use is a Macbook. It runs on a different operating system called macOS and can look different from Windows.
However, you can use it to connect to TCD’s WiFi network.
Similar to other operating systems, you will need to connect to the network first, then register your device to the TCD Connect service.
Here’s how to connect your Mac to TCD WiFi:
- Click on the WiFi icon on the Apple menu at the top of your screen.
- Select Turn on WiFi.
- Choose TCDwifi from the list.
- A pop-up window will appear, then type your Trinity username and password.
- Click on Join to connect to the network.
Note: On the pop-up window, it will also ask for a mode. Select Automatic.
Step #3: How to Connect iPhone to TCD WiFi
Now that your laptops are connected, it’s time for mobile phones. The good news with TCD’s WiFi network is that it also accommodates phones like your iPhone.
You can connect it to the network and use it to access the internet so you can do research or submit that report.
You must be within range of their hotspots to connect your iPhone to the TCD WiFi.
If not, you’ll have a hard time, especially if it’s your first time and you need to register your device.
Here’s how to connect your iPhone to the TCD WiFi:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to WiFi.
- Tap on TCDwifi.
- Type in your Trinity username and password.
- Tap on Join.
Pro Tip: If you get prompted to accept a certificate named TCDwlan, select Trust.
Step #4: How to Connect Android to TCD WiFi
You can also use your Android device to connect to TCD’s WiFi network.
Since there are different Android variants, the exact steps can change depending on your phone.
For example, the steps to connect can be similar between a Google Pixel and a Samsung phone. However, there can be minor differences that could possibly confuse you.
If you have an Android device, the general steps are you’re going to connect to the TCD WiFi and register your phone to TCD Connect.
Finally, you will need to set a PIN or password to ensure that you’re the only one with access to your device.
Here’s how to connect your Android device to TCD’s WiFi:
- Go to your phone Settings.
- Navigate to Wireless and networks, then choose WiFi.
- Select TCDwifi from the list.
- Enter your username and password.
- Tap Save.
Note: If the network prompts you for Phase-2 authentication, select the MSCHAPv2 option.
Step #5: Connecting Your Linux or ChromeOS Devices to TCD WiFi
TCD’s WiFi does not only support the usual operating systems like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
You can also use other devices to connect to the TCD network.
The good news is that whether you’re using Linux, ChromeOS, or even Kindle, you can connect to the WiFi using those devices.
Here’s how to connect using other devices like Linux and ChromeOS:
- For Linux, open the Wireless management utility.
- For ChromeOS, select the WiFi icon in the top right corner.
- For Kindle, go to the Main Menu, then Settings.
- Choose the TCDwifi option from the list of available networks.
- Click the Connect button.
Note: Remember to enter the short version of your username and your network password to connect successfully.
Registering Your Device
Connecting to the WiFi network is only one part of the process. You need to take one more step to complete your connection to the TCD WiFi network.
As the final step, you will need to scan and register your device to verify to keep the network secure at all times.
Here’s how to register your device to the TCD network:
- After you connect to the WiFi network, a registration page will load.
- On the registration page, enter your username and network password.
- Tap Download.
- The network will perform a scan, and you should have internet in 90 seconds.
Note: Your TCD Connect service needs to be active. If you don’t use it for 75 days, you will need to register your device again.
These are the steps you need to follow to connect to TCD WiFi. It’s a bit different than connecting to your home WiFi, but these are all necessary steps to keep the network secure at all times.
If you’re having issues connecting, you can always contact TCD’s IT service desk to help get you connected in no time.
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to connect to TCD WiFi, you can use your device to access your internet on campus.
The high-speed and stable connection provided by TCD Connect should help you get schoolwork done.
Read Next: Does Having Too Many Devices On WiFi Slow It Down?
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.