The "UCAR Visitor" Wi-Fi network (SSID) is an open, unencrypted wireless network that uses a “captive portal” to require registration before full access is enabled. The registration page is displayed on devices by redirecting web browser requests to authentication servers. Most newer operating systems will detect the presence of a captive portal and immediately pop open a login page. In the remainder of cases, an unregistered user is redirected when attempts are made to browse the web.

Once “Connect” is selected to agree to the terms of use, the device will have 90 days of access. 

Here's the registration page users see when first accessing the network:

For more information on the Guest wireless network, please see the UCAR Guest  Wireless FAQ below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What devices can use the UCAR Visitor network?

The UCAR Visitor network is intended for any non-UCAR managed device, including visitor devices and employee BYODs (Bring Your Own Devices), such as personal phones, tablets, etc.

How do I register for the UCAR Visitor network?

Simply connect your device to the UCAR Wi-Fi network. Most devices will automatically connect to the registration web page. If that does not happen automatically, try opening a web page; any web page request should be automatically redirected to the registration server. Some devices require the web page to be a standard URL (like http://www.frgp.net) rather than a secure URL (like http[s|https://google.com/][://google.com|https://google.com/]) for the redirection to work properly. Once on the registration page, select the “Connect” button to agree to terms of use. You'll be granted access for 90 days.

How can I use UCAR Visitor when there are problems with my StaffNet certificate?

If the StaffNet network is unavailable or if your StaffNet certificate has expired, your device can join the Guest network.  At this point, you can launch the GlobalProtect VPN software and authenticate.  If you need help renewing your StaffNet certificate, submit a service request to https://help.ucar.edu.

How do I use GlobalProtect VPN with the UCAR Visitor network?

Connect to the UCAR Visitor network. If a captive portal page pops up asking for you to register, do not register and close the portal. At this point, you can launch the GlobalProtect VPN software and authenticate.

Why does my device tell me that UCAR Visitor is an unsecure network?

The UCAR Visitor Wi-Fi network is open and because it does not use a WPA2 password is not encrypted. It is possible interlopers may be able to "sniff" UCAR Visitor Wi-Fi traffic. It is very similar to Wi-Fi at hotels, coffee shops, etc. You can use the GlobalProtect VPN on the Guest network to encrypt your traffic. Websites that display the lock encryption icon are encrypted end-to-end and should be secure, despite the lack of WPA2-enabled Wi-Fi network encryption.

What is the maximum number of devices that can be registered using a single email address?

There currently is no maximum number of devices. 

Does a device need to be registered on the UCAR Visitor network to access VPN or the NETS Wireless Certificate Authority (WCA) website?

The short answer is no. A few websites and services are available on the UCAR Visitor network without completing registration. Even if a device is denied registration because it is UCAR-managed, access to some services is allowed. Operating system behavior varies with the UCAR Visitor captive portal, and it may be necessary to close the captive portal detection window (registration window or employee device blocked window) before entering the WCA website URL in your browser.