Information about Marvis
The Wi-Fi infrastructure at the University of Reading is provided by Juniper Networks. There are hundreds of Juniper Mist WAPs (Wireless Access Points) all around the University which provides the Wi-Fi for our staff, students and visitors. Marvis (Mist AI) monitors the network, constantly learning from the telemetry data it collects from the Mist WAPs and the devices connected to them. Marvis uses this data to deliver customised insights and network automation.
The Marvis Client app from Juniper Networks
The Marvis Client app is a secure provisioning tool which simplifies connection of user devices to the Juniper Mist WAPs. Installed on user devices, it provides:
- Automatic installation of secure Wi-Fi profiles and certificates
- Certificate based authentication (no passwords)
- Automatic renewal of credentials before expiration
- Access governed by centralised policies
The Marvis Client also collects real-time network data which can assist the Marvis AI driven troubleshooting and automation.
What info does Marvis collect and what permissions are needed?
The Marvis Client collects data on your device’s Wi-Fi interactions, including signal strength, connection quality, and other network metrics. Juniper Mist uses this data to provide a comprehensive view of the device’s network experience. This is not shared with third parties.
Juniper Networks adheres to the following guidelines:
- The Marvis Client installs the wireless and certificate profiles only after authentication.
- Juniper Mist does not share personal data with third parties.
- Device identity is managed securely within the Juniper Mist cloud
The only permission you may need to grant the Marvis Client is location services (some devices require this to access Wi-Fi). Nothing else is mandated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We've collected some FAQs from our pilot and early adopter sessions.
Why are we now using an app to connect to eduroam?
Everything is using apps these days, and we are no exception. The Marvis application is being rolled out by Jupiter Networks (who provide our Wi-Fi network infrastructure) as the new "modern" way of authentication for their Wi-Fi network equipment. They have created Marvis as an assistant to simplify network administration and to collect statistics that support troubleshooting and network planning.
What is the rush in rolling out this Marvis application?
DTS already uses Marvis to monitor our Wi‑Fi network and diagnose issues with Wireless Access Points. By combining data from both the Wireless Access Points and devices with Marvis installed, we get a full view of network performance. It was always planned that we would move to the Marvis Client to manage device connections.
The main reason we are accelerating the move to Marvis on personal devices is for security reasons; the existing method username/password method is not as secure as we would like it to be.
Where can I get the Marvis Client app I need to connect to eduroam?
You can download the Marvis Client App from the UoR Juniper Mist Portal, or it is available from the Microsoft Marketplace for Microsoft Windows, Apple App Store for macOS and iOS and Google Play Store for Android devices (including ChromeBook and Android based tablets).
Which "Marvis" app is the one that I need?
If you find more than one app called "Marvis", make sure you get the right one. The app we use is called "Marvis Client" and is published by Juniper Networks. The logo is a variant of a green square with eyes.
In the Google Play store, the Marvis Client logo is a teal green 3D cube with two eyes.
In the Apple App Store, the Marvis Client logo is a bright green square with two eyes
What are the minimum requirements to install the Marvis Client?
The Marvis Client application runs on most devices:
- iOS for iPhone or iPad: 16.6 or later
- Android: 12 or later
- MacOS :14 Sonama or later
- Windows: Windows 10 or 11
As per the terms of the University of Reading Bring Your Own Device policy, any devices connected to the University networks (including the Wi-Fi), must be running up to date software.
Which devices can't connect to the Eduroam Wi-Fi network?
Some devices will be unable to connect to the Eduroam Wi-Fi network (via any method), as they do not support 802.1x Wi-Fi authentication or TLS 1.2 for 802.1x Wi-Fi authentication. Some example devices are: Amazon Alexa, Google Mini, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox (early models), Kindle Reader (basic model), Apple TV (early models).
I can’t install the Marvis Client app – how do I get onto eduroam Wi-Fi?
You will need the app to use our free eduroam Wi-Fi on a personal device. If you have issues with downloading the app you may need to update your device’s operating system to the latest version.
I don’t want to keep this Marvis Client app on my phone – can I uninstall it?
You will need to have the app on your device to get connected to eduroam. If you don't want the app on your phone, you will not be able to connect to the free eduroam Wi-Fi.
Why does the Marvis Client app ask for permission to access my location (esp. Android)?
Android OS requires apps to have this permission to access Wi-Fi information. When asked, you should set the location permission as "Allow all the time" for the app to function as intended. We don't believe other OS ask for this, and location is the only permission requested.
Can I have more information about the data that Marvis Client collects from my device?
Here are some further details of the information your device provides Marvis with, and what that information can help with:
- Detailed Wi-Fi properties: We can already see manufacturer, device type & OS of the device connecting via Marvis with the Mist APs. The Marvis Client furthers this visibility by providing the OS version along with the radio hardware (adapter) & firmware (driver) versions. We can then see if there is a widespread device issue.
- Coverage issues due to asymmetry between the signal strength that the device sees and what the Mist AP indicates. This is helpful in identifying asymmetries in the power level (or mismatch) between the client & AP resulting in a poor connection.
- Cellular (mobile network) or Wi-Fi: If the device switches between Wi-Fi and mobile network along with the corresponding signal strength. This can help troubleshoot areas where devices are connecting to the mobile network instead of Wi-Fi.
- Roaming behavior: How the device decides which AP to connect to i.e. how strong and which APs does the device see around it.
All the information collected is used for building a picture of the network and your device's place within it. It is not shared with third parties (outside of the Juniper environment).
How do eduroam guest accounts for visitors (EVA) work?
There is no change. If you have a visitor they will need to get an EVA account username and password. When connecting to eduroam as the device won’t have a certificate, they will be asked for username and password.
What about people visiting from other institutions? Do they need the app just for Reading?
Academic visitors join with their institution’s username/password exactly as they do now. If they have the Marvis Client for their home institution then authentication has been already been provided and the device will connect to eduroam at the University of Reading without additional authentication being needed.
What happens when I visit an institution with eduroam?
If you are visiting another place with eduroam, the Marvis app will manage the connection for you (as your device has the UoR certificate and profile).
Page updated by lm920207 on 26/02/26
- IT Self Service Portal
- Telephone: 0118 378 6262
- Email: dts@reading.ac.uk
- Visit us in person in Whiteknights Library (first floor)
There is important information about use of the our network including the eduroam service on the Information Management & Policy Services home page. In particular, please read these policies: