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IT Services Knowledge Base

You are here Wired and Wi-Fi Networks > Student Wi-Fi > Getting connected > Requirements

Connection requirements

This page gives information on the hardware and software requirements for Trinity students to register with and use the Student Wi-Fi service.

General requirements

The following are the general requirements for connection to the Trinity network via the Student Wi-Fi service:

  • Only holders of a valid Trinity username and password can request connection to the data network
  • All users are obliged to read and be familiar with the terms and conditions of connecting to the network
  • Your computer must conform to the minimum software and hardware requirements listed below
  • Users requiring connection to the wireless network should be aware that there are wireless network card requirements

Software requirements

Supported operating systems

All operating systems must have the latest security updates installed.

Supported PC operating systems

  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10 (Windows 10 S is not supported)
  • Linux
  • Google Chrome OS (on Chromebook devices)

For more information please see our Windows support statement.

Supported Apple Mac operating systems

  • macOS Ventura (13.x)
  • macOS Monterey (12.x)
  • macOS Big Sur (11.x)

Please see our macOS support statement for more information.

Supported smartphone and tablet operating systems

This service requires, for security, that you have a passcode lock set for your smartphone or tablet device. It is your responsibility to remember this passcode/password/PIN as if you forget it you may have to do a restore from backup and so may lose data. Those using the service are asked to familiarise themselves with some concepts of good cyber security for mobile devices. Those using the service are assumed to have read and agreed to the terms and conditions.

Other devices and operating systems

Only devices running the operating systems listed in the boxes above can be connected to the Student Wi-Fi service. The Student Wi-Fi service is scaled and provisioned for the secure connectivity of students’ laptops, smartphones and tablets which can support the required Wi-Fi security protocols. It is not possible to connect other Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices such as music streaming devices and games consoles to the student Wi-Fi service.

Minimum hardware requirements

As per the College Structured Cabling System policy and the College Wireless policy, it is not permitted to connect networking equipment such as routers, access points and switches to the Trinity network.

Wireless network adapter requirements

Most wireless network cards with the Wi-Fi Logo should be able to connect to the Trinity wireless network. If you are experiencing difficulties then please be aware of the information below, and if you need further assistance please contact the IT Service Desk.

  • Your wireless card must be WPA Enterprise compatible (also known as WPA with TKIP). Specifically, it is necessary to use the WPA2 protocol. There is a tool available on the Wi-Fi Alliance website which will allow you to determine if your wireless card meets this requirement.
  • Your wireless card must support Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) or later.

Minimum hardware specifications for PCs and Macs

Minimum device specifications supported by IT Services:

PC running supported versions of Windows

  • Minimum of 2GB RAM
  • Minimum hard disk size of 64GB*
  • Minimum processor speed 1.5GHz

*Recommended 20GB free space for carrying out major operating system version updates.

Macs running supported versions of macOS

  • Minimum of 4GB RAM
  • Minimum hard disk size of 64GB*
  • 64-bit Intel processor or later

*Recommended 20GB free space for carrying out major operating system version updates.