USF-GOLD Information PDF Print E-mail

Both USF and USF-GOLD are wireless networks intended to serve USF students, faculty and staff.

  • The USF network requires you to register your computer every semester, gives you a NAT IP address, and is not encrypted.
  • The USF-GOLD network features WPA or WPA2 encryption, does not require per-semester registrations, and does not pass through NAT.

Using USF-GOLD

In order to begin using USF-GOLD, you will need a NetID

Configuration instructions for USF-GOLD         


  • USF-GOLD does not require web-based or per-semester registration. Once your wireless network card is properly configured, it should cache this information for as long as your account is valid and log you onto the network automatically (most cards and operating systems have this function).
  • All operating systems that support WPA or WPA2 wireless connections can use USF-GOLD. These include Windows XP, Vista and 7, Mac OS X newer than 10.4.7, iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads, and most current flavors of Linux, to name but a few.
  • USF-GOLD is available in the same locations where you can find the existing USF network on the Tampa campus. Coverage maps for the Tampa campus wireless network can be found at http://www.net.usf.edu/wireless.
  • Configuring the settings for any encrypted wireless network is inherently more difficult than an open/unencrypted network. As such, configuring USF-GOLD is more difficult and time consuming than just using the existing USF network. However, given the benefits of USF-GOLD, we highly recommend taking the extra time to configure it. Documentation is available at USF GOLD Instructions. It will take you step-by-step through the configuration. Information Technology helpdesk (813-974-1222) is available to help with any problems you might encounter.
  • USF-GOLD uses encryption for additional security. The existing USF wireless network does not use encryption and relies on the applications (Internet Explorer, SSH etc) to protect sensitive information. Wireless network encryption offers an extra layer of security. (More technical information)
  • Why the name USF-GOLD? To celebrate the USF school colors, green and gold. We don't intend to go back and rename the old USF network to USF-GREEN anytime soon, but maybe in the future there will be a USF-GREEN for some other purpose.