Smart Devices

Smart devices such as Alexas, Google Homes, Hue lights, and smart TV's do not always work as expected when connected to the TXST-Home wireless (WiFi) network. This is due to the TXST-Home network being subdivided into smaller networks, also known as subnets. Smart devices are often designed to work on personal WiFi systems where all devices connect back to a single router. It is possible for your phone, laptop, and smart device to all be connected to the TXST WiFi and be physically located in the same room but be connected to three different subnets. Because of this, your devices may not “talk” to each other the way you expect. Devices that rely on casting from one device to another (such as Chromecasts) will not work the way they do on a personal network.

Please be aware that your smart device might be accessible to other people on the TXST-Home network even at times when it does not appear accessible from your own phone or computer.

Here's a list of frequently used smart devices and their known issues on campus:

  • Smart TVs should work for connecting to Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming services. They may not be able to be casted to from your phone.
  • Roku devices usually work well.
  • Chromecasts generally don’t work well because the device you are casting from must be on the same subnet.
  • Google Home devices will work for some things but should be setup on your home network first if possible. Google Home should work for services where it connects directly to the internet but not for services initiated from your phone.
  • Alexa devices will work for some things but should be set up on your home network first if possible. Alexa should work for services where it connects directly to the internet but not for services initiated from your phone.
  • Other Devices should work if they are designed to work “from anywhere” because those devices won’t rely on your phone being on the same network. However, if you have multiple devices (such as lights with a hub) that are designed to work with each other, they might not.