Smart devices such as Alexas, Google Homes, Hue lights, and smart TVs do not always work as expected when connected to NCSU’s wireless network because our network is subdivided into smaller networks or ‘subnets.’ Smart devices are often designed to work on home wifi systems where all devices connect back to a single router. It is possible for your phone, laptop and smart TV to all be connected to the NCSU wireless and be physically located in the same room but be connected to three different subnets. Because of this, your devices may not “talk” to each other the way you expect. Devices which rely on casting from one device to another (such as Chromecasts) will not work the way they do on your home network.

All devices must be registered on Nomad before you can begin trying to make them work. The easiest way to do this is from your computer or phone that is already connected to campus wifi via either Nomad or Eduroam. You will need the MAC address of your device to register it. Some devices may work (or work better) if you request a public IP address for them. If you are bringing a device that is currently set up and working on your home network, we advise you to write down the MAC address before you unplug it.

Please be aware that your smart device might be accessible to other people on the NCSU network even at times when it does not appear accessible from your own phone or computer.

Smart TVs should work for connecting to Netflix, Disney+ or other streaming services. They may not be able to be casted to from your phone.

Roku devices usually work well

Chromecasts generally don’t work well because the device you are casting from must be on the same subnet.

Google Home devices will work for some things but should be set up on your home network first if possible. Google Home should work for services where it connects directly to the internet but not for services initiated from your phone.

Alexa devices will work for some things but should be set up on your home network first if possible. Alexa should work for services where it connects directly to the internet but not for services initiated from your phone.

Other Devices should work if they are designed to work “from anywhere” because those devices won’t rely on your phone being on the same network. However, if you have multiple devices (such as lights with a hub) that are designed to work with each other, they might not.