Connect Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles & Streaming Devices to Campus Wi-Fi

Overview

Cedar Crest College provides network access for many personal entertainment devices in the residence halls, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.

FalconStream is the wireless network intended for compatible devices that cannot connect to FalconNet using a Cedar Crest username and password.

Some devices, particularly gaming consoles, may also connect using a wired Ethernet connection.

Which Network Should I Use?

Note: Not all devices or features are guaranteed to work on the campus network. Some devices require network capabilities that may not be available in a shared college environment.

Step 1: Find Your Device's Wireless MAC Address

Before connecting to FalconStream, you must locate your device's wireless MAC address.

A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface. It typically consists of 12 letters and numbers, often displayed in pairs separated by colons.

For example: A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6

You can usually find this information under your device's Settings → Network → About or Network Information menu.

For device-specific instructions, see:

Find MAC Addresses for Popular Devices

Important: If your device displays both a wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) MAC address, use the wireless MAC address when registering for FalconStream.

Step 2: Register Your Device

Devices must be registered before connecting to FalconStream.

1. While physically on campus, connect your phone, laptop, or another compatible device to the campus network.
2. Open a web browser and visit the FalconStream Device Registration Portal.
3. Sign in using your Cedar Crest College credentials, if prompted.
4. Locate the option to register a personal device.
5. Enter the device information requested, including its wireless MAC address.
6. If the registration form requires a MAC address without separators, remove the colons or hyphens.
   • Example: A1B2C3D4E5F6
7. Complete the registration process and follow any additional instructions displayed.

Note: The registration portal is accessible only while connected to the campus network.

Step 3: Connect Your Device to FalconStream

After registering your device:

1. Open the Settings menu on your smart TV, streaming device, or gaming console.
2. Navigate to Network, Internet, or Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Select the option to connect to a wireless network.
4. Choose FalconStream from the available networks.
5. Follow any additional prompts displayed by your device.
6. Wait for the connection to complete.
7. Test the connection by opening a streaming application or running the device's built-in network test.

Once connected, your device should reconnect automatically whenever FalconStream is available.

Connecting Gaming Consoles with Ethernet

For gaming consoles that support wired networking, a wired Ethernet connection is recommended when available.

Some residence hall rooms have network access points with Ethernet ports for connecting personal devices.

To connect:

1. Locate the available Ethernet port on the access point in your room.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable from the available port to your gaming console.
3. Open your console's Network Settings.
4. Select the option to use a wired or Ethernet connection.
5. Test your internet connection.

A Cat 6 Ethernet cable is recommended.

Important: Do not disconnect, move, reset, or unplug the residence hall wireless access point. If a network port is not working, submit an IT Support Request.

Gaming Consoles and NAT Restrictions

Some online games and gaming services require specific network settings to support multiplayer games, voice chat, or connections with other players.

These settings are often referred to as NAT types.

Because Cedar Crest uses a shared, managed campus network, some gaming consoles may report a Moderate or Strict NAT type.

As a result:

• Some multiplayer games may have connection limitations.
• Certain voice-chat or peer-to-peer gaming features may not work.
• Games requiring an Open NAT connection may experience connectivity problems.

These restrictions are related to the campus network configuration and may not be adjustable for individual gaming consoles.

Online Gaming and Multiplayer Limitations

For gaming consoles and gaming computers, a wired Ethernet connection is recommended when an approved Ethernet port is available. Wired connections may provide a more consistent experience than Wi-Fi.

Some online games and features may not work as expected on the campus network, including:

• Multiplayer matchmaking and peer-to-peer connections
• In-game voice chat or party chat
• Hosting online games
• Games requiring an Open NAT configuration

Campus networks use security controls and network configurations that differ from typical home networks. As a result, your console may report a Moderate or Strict NAT type, and some features may be unavailable.

Changing settings on your gaming console may not resolve these restrictions.

If a game or service is not working, submit an IT Support Request and include your console or computer model, the game or service, the error message, and whether you are using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

IT Support can help determine whether the issue is related to your device, its connection, or a campus network restriction. Some game-specific limitations may not be resolvable.

Troubleshooting FalconStream Connections

Device Cannot Find FalconStream

• Make sure the device's Wi-Fi is turned on.
• Confirm you are within range of the residence hall wireless network.
• Restart the device and scan for available networks again.
• Verify that other devices can detect wireless networks in the same location.

Device Connects but Has No Internet

• Confirm the device was registered using the correct wireless MAC address.
• Restart the device after completing registration.
• Disconnect from FalconStream and reconnect.
• Run the device's built-in network connection test.

Device Registration Is Not Working

• Make sure you are connected to the campus network.
• Verify that you entered the correct MAC address.
• Check whether the registration form requires the MAC address without colons or hyphens.
• Try opening the registration portal in another web browser.

Streaming or Casting Features Are Not Working

Some streaming devices rely on communication between multiple devices on the same network.

Features such as screen mirroring, casting, or controlling a streaming device from a smartphone may be limited on managed campus networks.

If the device connects to the internet but these features do not work, the issue may be related to network restrictions rather than a problem with the device itself.

Still Need Help?

If your device cannot connect after following these instructions, please submit an IT Support Request.

Include the following information:

• Device manufacturer and model
• Residence hall and room number
• Whether you are using FalconStream or a wired connection
• Any error messages displayed
• Troubleshooting steps you have already attempted

Do not include your password or verification codes in your support request.