Chromebook (school-based) accessing a locally set up network with local router - how-to?

[iscott]

I'm trying to set up an 'in-house' (restricted) LAN (no access to Internet) for students to explore some networking concepts using their (school-managed) Chromebooks, e.g. accessing a Raspberry Pi server for them to set up locally based web server etc.

 

I have a router set up - wifi signal clearly showing on my phone, but for some reason the Chromebooks aren't picking up the broadcast signal, automatically picking up the school-assigned WiFi signal they usually use.

 

School Chromebooks can access home-based WiFi so students can work at home, so I'm assuming they aren't 'locked' to only in-school WiFi (or is there a setting we need to change?)

 

Grateful for any pointers as to how I can get this set up.

[DavR]

Have a look at your Google Admin Console, under Devices and Networks. It could be that you've got a preferred network set in a policy under here. We assign our school based Chromebooks a preferred SSID under here, and have them locked to that network. Sometimes we take Chromebooks offsite with a 4G router, and I have to set a different policy for those devices, that sets and enforces my 4G router network.

 

A thought on your wider project, though - if these devices are on a LAN with no Internet, how are you going to get them to log in? Google account login requires Internet access. Or are you hoping to use local or cached logins?