As an offshoot of the Network Renewal Programme, ICTS is introducing Network Access Control (NAC) mechanisms on the UCT wired network across campus. NAC will enhance network security on campus and help us to align with our cyber insurer’s requirements, and comply with  a range of local and international standards and legislation. This new feature will ensure that every device connecting to our network via cable is authenticated and that the user or device owner can be identified by their UCT network account. It will also pave the way for network segmentation – an upcoming security measure which will further enhance control around access to specific UCT servers and services. 

When will this happen?

The change will be applied to all buildings on campus over the course of 2024, as per the schedule posted on this page.

What do I need to do?

If your device connects wirelessly, you don’t need to take action.

However, if you connect any device on campus using a network cable, you will need to configure that device by the deadline communicated to your specific building.

To do so, please follow the instructions below relevant to your operating system for each wired device you use on campus:

Instructions for Apple Mac

You can use the eduroam CAT tool to have the configuration done automatically:

  1. Download and install the Apple device installation file, then click OK.
  2. In System settings, select Profile Downloaded to navigate to the following location: General | Device Management.
  3. Double-click the eduroam profile.
  4. Click Install.
  5. When prompted, click Continue to confirm the installation.
  6. When prompted, enter your UCT username@wf.uct.ac.za and UCT network password. (You will be prompted to do this twice: once for eduroam and once for wired connections.)
  7. Click Next, then click Install.
  8. When prompted, complete the Device Management/MDM authentication process by authenticating using TouchID or your local macOS account login details.
  9. The eduroam profile is now installed and can be found under General | Device Management.

Alternatively, you can manually configure your computer by following the steps shown in the video below. (Written instructions are provided below the video).

If you could not follow the steps in the video above, follow these text instructions:

  1. If you’re using an ethernet adapter, please ensure that it is inserted correctly.
  2. Plug in the ethernet cable.
  3. An authentication window will open. Enter these details:
    • Certificate: No certificate selected
    • Account name: Staff / student number@wf.uct.ac.za
    • Password: Your UCT network password
  4. Click OK.

Connection issues after enablement 

After the deadline, if you are having trouble connecting to the internet:

  1. Check if you can access the Service Portal. If so, your issue is NAC-related. Please follow this link to log a NAC request. Or contact the NAC support line on 021 650 8050.
  2. If you cannot access the Service Portal, you are experiencing a different network issue. For example, your device might connect to the network but has no internet access. In such cases, please contact the IT Helpdesk on 021 650 4500 (choose option 1). Alternatively, use your mobile phone to log a request in the Service Portal (eduroam is not impacted by this initiative.)

Instructions for other operating systems

If you have a computing device that isn't covered above, let us know by filling out this form.