Frequently Asked Question

How to Connect to the PVPUSD Guest Wi-Fi Network

(Conference and Contractor Accounts)

Important Prerequisite: Disable Private MAC & Private IP Addresses To ensure your device stays connected, you must disable MAC randomization (Private Wi-Fi Address) and Private IP address features. Our network registers your specific device credentials and IP lease; if your device hides or changes these, your connection will immediately drop, traffic will fail to route through the perimeter filters, and you will be forced to re-authenticate constantly.

Here is how to disable these settings on your device:

• Apple iOS (iPhone/iPad): Go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap the blue "i" icon next to the school network. Toggle Private Wi-Fi Address and Limit IP Address Tracking both to OFF.
• Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Tap the gear icon next to the school network. Tap MAC address type and select Phone MAC or Device MAC (do not use Randomized). Under IP settings, ensure it is set to DHCP rather than randomized/private addressing.
• Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Select Manage known networks, click on the school network, and set Random hardware addresses to Off.
• macOS: Go to System Settings > Wi-Fi. Click Details next to the school network, and toggle Private Wi-Fi address to Off. Ensure your TCP/IP configuration uses dynamic standard addressing without third-party masking.

VPN & Privacy Proxy Restrictions

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), web proxies, and privacy relay services are strictly incompatible with the district security posture. District firewalls and captive portals require direct, unencrypted local network handshakes to authenticate devices, apply access policies, and maintain continuous connectivity. Running an active VPN or privacy relay will prevent captive portal sign-in, block device registration, or result in immediate loss of internet access.

Required Actions Before Connecting

• Turn Off Apple iCloud Private Relay:
  • iOS / iPadOS: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Private Relay and toggle it to Off.
  • macOS: Open System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Private Relay and toggle it to Off.
• Disconnect Commercial VPN Apps: Turn off or disable auto-connect on all third-party VPN applications (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1/WARP, ProtonVPN, Surfshark).
• Check Antivirus Security Suites: Disable built-in VPN or secure connection modules embedded within security software (such as Norton Secure VPN, McAfee WebAdvisor, or Bitdefender VPN).
• Disable Browser Extensions & Built-in Proxies: Turn off proxy extensions in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, and ensure built-in browser VPN features (such as Opera's integrated VPN) are deactivated.

Connecting

• Step 1: Open the Wi-Fi Settings on your device and connect to the network "PvnetGuest".
• Step 2: A browser window will pop up landing you on the Acceptable Use Policy. Read and agree to the terms and conditions to continue (you may need to scroll down to the bottom of the page to select "Agree").
  • Note: If your device does not automatically open this page, open a web browser and navigate to: nac.pvpusd.net.
• Step 3: Select "Conference Accounts and Contractor Accounts". (The other options are for staff/students of PVPUSD, or single-use guest accounts).
• Step 4: Enter the shared conference password given to you by your event host, district staff, etc..
• Step 5: Enter your required information (First Name, Last Name, Email) in the registration screen and click Continue.
• Step 6: A prompt will indicate that a network reconfiguration is in progress. Please wait a moment while your connection is established.
• Step 7: Success! Your device should now be registered for the length of the conference account, and you should only have to do this process once per device.

Troubleshooting & Assistance

• If you have any trouble connecting at this point, please try closing your browser, reopening it, and browsing the internet.
• If your device still does not connect, navigate to your device's settings, turn Wi-Fi off and then back on again, and repeat the steps above.
• If you need assistance, please contact the Help Desk.

Important Policies & Considerations

• Usage Charges: The PVPUSD is not responsible for any possible device charges to your account that might be incurred during approved school-related use.
• Network Considerations: Users should strive to maintain appropriate bandwidth for school-related work and communications. The PVPUSD does not guarantee connectivity or the quality of the connection with personal devices. The PVPUSD Technology Services department and school staff is not responsible for maintaining or troubleshooting personal tech devices.