New Campus Wi-Fi Network Launching May 19: UCI-WiFi
As part of our ZotDefend initiative to strengthen campus cybersecurity and improve wireless connectivity, we’re launching a new wireless network: UCI-WiFi, available across campus since May 19, 2025.
Benefits
Safeguards your data and privacy with encryption
Does not require registering your device MAC address to get access to the Internet
Is the successor network to UCI Mobile Access
Want to try it out?
UCI-WiFi is now available across campus. Currently, it’s only available to those using devices provided and managed by UCI, but we anticipate broader availability in the coming months.
In order to join the network, you’ll need to do the following:
Login using your M365 credentials (i.e., UCInetID@ad.uci.edu and password)
In anticipation of the UCI Mobile Access wireless network being retired later this year, we encourage you to begin transitioning to UCI-WiFi if you are able to. Updates on broader availability of the network will be announced soon.
As always, we’re here for you if you have questions! Visit our ZotDefend Project Page for more info and FAQ, or email us at oit@uci.edu.
Guests visiting the UC Irvine campus will now have access to wireless internet via a new guest option. The option “UCI-Guest” will now appear in Wi-Fi settings, allowing for quick connection and access without the required steps and verification needed to set up Wi-Fi through UCInet Mobile Access.
Wireless guest access will only allow for basic internet browsing capabilities, and was not intended for regular use by students, faculty or staff.
Starting November 2022, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) is beginning a multi-year journey to build out faster, more secure Wi-Fi across UCI.
Many buildings on campus are not adequately equipped to provide Wi-Fi connectivity fast enough for today’s online demands. As a result, there are several areas of campus with slow or unstable connections. Over the next five years, OIT plans to upgrade 347 floors across 129 buildings, providing a reliable, consistent, high-speed user experience.
Upgrades will happen in phases. OIT is prioritizing buildings and floors where the existing Wi-Fi experience causes the most frustration for faculty, students, and researchers. Additional communications and physical signs will be provided for each building before and during installation.
This campus Wi-Fi project is a strategic IT investment for UCI. OIT intends to minimize interruptions to campus operations and communicate well in advance when disruption is required. Now more than ever, it’s important to stay connected.
