IT device support statement
- Last updated:
You must ensure your devices and operating systems are up-to-date and in line with our minimum hardware specifications.
Before attempting to connect any device to the University network, ensure the device is running a manufacturer-supported operating system, with all available updates, including security updates and patches.
Devices no longer supported by the manufacturer, or unable to receive the latest updates, may be incompatible with some University systems and may not be able to be connected to the University’s secure wireless network (eduroam).
The wireless network
We recommend that your device’s operating system is up-to-date with all updates and patches installed and that you have applied the latest wireless network drivers onto the device beforehand.
Note that some older devices may not be compatible with the University network. You may not be able to utilise a full online gaming experience using gaming consoles (see the Gaming section below for more details).
Supported wifi standards (generations)
| IEEE wifi Generation | Launched | Supported |
|---|---|---|
| 802.11 | 1997 | No |
| 802.11a & 802.11b | 1999 | No |
| 802.11g | 2003 | No |
| 802.11n | 2008 | Yes |
| 802.11ac | 2014 | Yes |
| 802.11ax | 2019 | Yes |
Consult your manufacturer’s website to confirm the network connection type used by your device.
Note: Whilst 802.11n is supported, performance on the University network may be poor when compared to newer 802.11ac or ax.
Operating System requirements
Devices and software change often. Given the diverse range of devices staff and students bring to the University, it’s difficult to maintain a list of all supported devices and operating systems.
However, generally, devices no longer supported by the manufacturer, not running an up-to-date operating system, or unable to receive the latest security updates are considered obsolete.
Obsolete devices present a security risk to the University and should not be connected to the University network and may not run certain University applications.
Consult with your device manufacturer (this information is normally available on their website) to confirm if your device remains supported and able to receive the latest updates.
The University network in University-managed accommodation
The University network, which is also used in University-managed accommodation, is primarily an academic network. It does not replicate an 'at home’ (home broadband) network experience.
For students staying in University-managed accommodation, some gaming consoles may not offer a full online gaming experience and some types of devices (for example some printers) may not be compatible.
Gaming
Modern gaming consoles offer the ability to host games, allow others to connect to your hosted game, or allow you to connect to games hosted by others.
This is achieved using a ‘public’ IP address, and at home, your home router will convert an internal private IP address into a public one – a process known as ‘Network Address Translation (NAT).
There are different types of NAT environments.
- ‘Open NAT’ means your games console is free to connect to any other gaming environment and others to connect to you
- ‘Strict NAT’ means your games console may have limited connectivity with other players and others may not be able to join your hosted games
- Gaming Consoles will be set to Strict NAT (Type 3) – which may have an adverse effect on multiplayer gaming, and game ‘chat’ functionality
The university network operates a Strict NAT policy, meaning the functionality of gaming consoles may be reduced, you may be unable to join hosted games, and others may not be able to connect to your gaming environment.
Printing
Wifi printers in University-managed accommodation will need to connect to the network using a “Personal Pre-Shared Key (PPSK)”. Like a password, a PPSK is required to authenticate the printer on the University Network. It’s important to check your printer is PPSK compatible (for example, it will allow you to enter a Pre-shared key (PPSK)), and this information will be displayed in the specification/technical information for your printer (a good place to check is the printer manufacturers website for your specific printer)
If your device does not support PPSK, for devices with a USB connection, you may be required to print directly to your printer from USB. For devices that do not have a USB connection, it may not be possible to use the printer on the University network.
Windows devices
Microsoft regularly review how updates and releases are delivered and supported but the practical outcome is generally similar to the following:
Microsoft supplies regular updates for the current Windows version and the two previous major releases.
Users should verify that all the software and services required for their working or learning role are fully supported by a newly released Windows operating system version before updating to that new version.
To ensure users are not exposed to unnecessary security risks and compatibility issues, we strongly recommend that users use a device that can run any of the supported operating system versions described above. Regular updates will be delivered which users should not prevent from being deployed.
An up-to-date antivirus and antimalware utility is also required. University-owned devices must run the approved endpoint protection product provided by University IT.
Minimum hardware specifications
Every year University IT publishes a minimum and a recommended specification for Windows devices.
For Windows desktop or laptop computers, we recommend the following:
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
| Processor | i5 (8th Gen) | i5 (11th Gen or higher) |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Hard Disk Drive | 256GB | 512GB (or higher) |
| Webcam | Built-in or external | |
| Microphone | Built-in or external | |
| Speakers/Headphones | Built-in or external | |
Note: These specifications are provided for general-purpose use. For some purposes, a higher specification computer will be needed. University IT will be able to advise you on this.
Staff wishing to purchase University devices should obtain these from the University's approved suppliers unless otherwise authorised by IT Service Management. This is to ensure compliance with procurement and device lifecycle guidelines and to ensure future compatibility is assured.
Apple devices
For Mac desktop or laptop computers, we recommend:
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Ventura | Sequoia |
| Processor | Intel i5 / Apple M1 | Apple M2 (or higher) |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Hard Disk Drive | 256GB | 512GB (or higher) |
| Webcam | Built-in or external | |
| Microphone | Built-in or external | |
| Speakers/Headphones | Built-in or external | |
Note that some IT systems may have their minimum device specifications which may be slightly different from those listed here. If in doubt, check the information published for the particular IT system.
For macOS devices, Apple normally supplies updates and new Safari (web browser) versions for the current macOS major version and two previous major versions.
For iOS and iPadOS devices Apple normally supplies updates for the current major version only.
Verify that all the software and services required for your working or learning role are supported by a newly released Apple operating system version before updating to that new version.
For security reasons, we strongly recommend that you use an Apple device that can run one of the supported operating system versions described above and apply minor version updates promptly after they are released.
MacOS users must run an up-to-date antimalware utility. Sophos Endpoint Protection is available for University-owned Apple computers.
Find details of Apple’s recently released updates and the device models they support on the Apple support website.
University IT reserves the right to disconnect Apple devices from the Cardiff University networks if they pose a threat to other users, devices or services.
Note: Staff wishing to purchase Apple devices may be subject to University financial regulations.
Tablets, Chromebooks and computers running Windows 10S
Note that tablets, Chromebooks, and computers running Windows 10S (a cut-down version of Windows) may not be suitable for long-term academic study.
E-Ink devices
Currently, E-Ink devices must not be used for University business.
The University recognises and appreciates there is a growing interest in the use of E-Ink devices to carry out work or study, on such devices as the reMarkable 2 or the Onyx Boox for digital note-taking and other activities.
We also understand that some of these vendors promote or offer some level of support for Microsoft Office document types or advertise integrations with platforms such as OneDrive.
Current devices do not have the baseline level security (encryption, remote wipe) necessary to access and store University confidential information (C1/C2), and OneDrive integration does not apply fine-grained controls to limit access to non-confidential information (NC).
We are aware this is a fledgling market, and other vendors are developing such devices and that new functionality and features will be added to existing devices in the market as time goes on. As such we are actively monitoring and reviewing our support position, but currently, these devices must not be used for University business or activities.