ResNet Network Connection Guide For New Residents

ResNet provides each residence hall and university apartments resident with a network jack in their room which allows them to connect to the campus network and Internet. Access to network resources is governed by an Appropriate Use Policy, and use of a connection indicates your acceptance of these conditions. This page contains all the information that a new resident needs to know before connecting to ResNet. You can also visit the ResNet FAQ for answers to other ResNet questions.

• Network Card
• Data Cable
• Operating System Updates
• Anti-Virus Software
• Connecting your Computer
• Connecting a game console, TiVo or other network device
• Connecting with a router, switch, hub or wireless access point

Network Card

The purpose of a Network Interface Card (NIC) is to provide your computer with a physical connection to a network. Almost all new computers come with a pre-installed NIC. If you don't already have a network card you can purchase one at the DoIT Techstore, the University Bookstore's Digital Outpost, or at any computer/electronics retailer. Any brand of network card should work as long as it is 10/100Mbps compatible, and compatible with your computer. Please don't confuse a network card with a modem, which is used for a dial-up connection.

Typical configuration of a desktop with a NIC installed	The symbol often found above an RJ-45 port
Network port on a typical laptop

Data Cable

You will need a Category 5 or Category 6 Ethernet data cable to connect your computer to the data jack in your room. There are two things to remember about this cable. First, it's not the same as a phone cord which has smaller RJ-11 connectors, and is wired differently. Also, make sure that the cable you get isn't labeled 'crossover,' as a crossover cable will physically connect but won't transfer data.

Operating System Updates

Viruses and other programs called spyware use vulnerabilities in operating systems and programs to gain access to your computer. Microsoft releases security updates for its operating system and other software products to fix these problems. Visit the Securing Your Computer page for information on keeping your operating system current.

Anti-Virus Software

Campus policy requires that all computers connected to the campus network are running anti-virus software with current definitions. Residents can download a free, fully functional copy of Symantec Anti-Virus from the DoIT Security Starter Software web site. Visit the Securing Your Computer page for information on downloading and installing anti-virus software.

Connecting your Computer

1. Turn off your computer. Plug the data cable into the Ethernet network card on your computer.
   
   
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the RED data jack in your room, shown in Figures 4a and 4b below. Note that data Jacks in Eagle Heights & University Houses may also be orange or white and labeled CAT 5.
   
   

   Figure 4a: University Residence Halls	Figure 4b: University Apartments

   
   
3. Turn on your computer.
   
   
4. Open a web browser and navigate to any non-cached web page. Your browser will be redirected to the ResNet registration page at http://netreg.resnet.wisc.edu. Follow the instructions to register your computer and gain full access to the ResNet network. As part of registration you will be asked to update your operating system, install an anti-virus program, and install other recommended programs. Please follow these steps as they will make your computer more secure and allow ResNet to function better for everyone. Also please be sure to read the Appropriate Use Policy for the UW-Madison and ResNet. The final registration step is to enter your campus assigned NetID and password to authenticate on the network.
   
   If you were unable to reach the registration page, please visit our Start Troubleshooting page.
   
   For questions about our registration system, or if you are a visiting guest and do not have a campus NetID, please visit our Netreg page.
   
   
5. After you complete the registration process, you will be asked to reboot your computer. After rebooting you should now have full network access.
   
   
6. Be sure to visit the Securing Your Computer page for additional information on keeping your computer safe and secure.