NSIT Resources
Network Connections
There are three ways of connecting a computer to the University network: Ethernet, dial-up, and wireless. All three types of connections are maintained and supported by NSIT. Dial-up and certain types of Ethernet services, such as DSL and cable for accessing campus from home, are also obtainable from third-party Internet Service Providers (ISPs), such as AT&T Dial-up, with whom the University has an agreement. For more information on this service, see AT&T Global Network on the web.
Before any type of connection is made to the network, an Internet Protocol address (IP address) must be assigned to a computer. When connecting from a residence hall, IP addresses are assigned using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Each time a new connection is established, this process issues an IP address. When dialing in through the modem pool using the NSIT Connectivity Package, an IP address is automatically assigned, as long as the Connectivity Package is correctly installed. Wireless connections are also given an IP address automatically when a connection is made. A connection made from a campus office often requires a static IP address. Information on obtaining IP addresses and getting connected to the network may be found on the Data Networking web page.
Ethernet Connections
In most cases, an Ethernet connection is used to connect to the network while on campus. An Ethernet connection is designed to allow high-speed data communication over a variety of media (e.g., coax, twisted-pair copper, and fiber). On campus, most connections use twisted-pair copper media, which provide connections at speeds of 10 or 100 megabits per second. Ethernet connections greatly surpass the typical 56 kilobit-per-second modem connection. For residential use, internet service providers (ISPs) offer new higher speed services such as DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or Cable Modem. These services typically provide Ethernet connections at the speed of 1 megabit per second, or faster connections.
Users of restricted campus resources should refer to the Accessing Resources from Off Campus section of this guide. Students may use their personal computers to access the network from the residence halls, where there is one Ethernet connection available per resident. Network access is also available at computer facilities throughout campus. Dorm residents experiencing problems with the network should contact their residence hall's computer staff.
Most faculty and staff offices are pre-wired with an Ethernet connection jack, which looks similar to a telephone jack. If no Ethernet jack is present or if you are having problems with an existing Ethernet jack, use the forms accessible online by clicking on “Report a Problem” on the Data Networking web page to request a repair or to order a new jack.
Modem Connections
Off-campus connections are made via dial-up to the University modem pool or by using a third-party Internet Service Provider (ISP), which usually offers either modem or high speed network access. The NSIT Connectivity Package has been designed to configure a dial-up connection to the University's modem pool for you. The modem pool number is (773) 926-1600.
Though open to the University community, the intended use of the modem pool is to provide an academic service to students living off campus. Faculty, students, and staff wishing to have non-academic network access are encouraged to consider other ISP services.
An ISP may also be used to access restricted campus resources, Please refer to the Accessing Resources from Off Campus section of this guide.
Wireless Connection
Wireless networking is designed to give faculty, students, and staff data network access in areas not readily serviceable by our wired infrastructure, such as lobbies, large open study areas, and certain out-of-doors areas. Typically, a wired network connection is anywhere from 10 to 100 times faster than a wireless network connection. Additionally, obstacles such as walls and trees may interfere with wireless performance. However, a wireless connection is up to 30 times faster than a dial-up modem connection and is sufficient for applications such as email and web surfing.
Wireless networking is inherently insecure and should not be used as a primary network connection. Any time you send or receive data over a wireless connection, it may be detected by anyone who can receive the signals transmitted over radio waves. NSIT has implemented a network authentication process which requires a CNetID and CNet password. This reduces the security issues related to unauthorized access while using wireless on campus. Security problems can be further reduced if all network traffic involving sensitive information is encrypted. This means users should not use telnet and file transfer protocol (FTP) client software. Instead, users should utilize SSH (Secure Shell) clients, which encrypt the information before transmitting to the final destination. SSH and SFTP clients are included in the Connectivity Package. Information on wireless networking services is located on the Wireless Network web page.
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Last updated: 3/10/08