ResNet FAQ

FAQ Index - a listing of all the questions arranged by topic.

What is ResNet?

ResNet, short for Residential Network, is part of the Division of University Housing's Information Technology Department and provides data and video services for University Housing residents. We provide Internet service for all residents living in University Housing Residence Halls and University Apartments. ResNet also provides the Residence Halls with expanded basic cable TV service and common area telephones located in floor dens and main lobbies.

How are ResNet and DoIT related?

ResNet is part of the University Housing Information Technology Department and manages the voice, video and data services available in the Residence Halls and data services for University Apartments. DoIT is located in the Computer Sciences building and is the main computing presence on campus. Housing IT purchases bandwidth for the ResNet network from DoIT, and DoIT provides connection points to the campus backbone and to the Internet. When you call the ResNet Help Line at 608-262-8703 and chooses option #1 for technical support, your call is forwarded to the DoIT Help Desk. Help desk staff will create a case for you and try to resolve your issue over the phone. If your problem cannot be resolved, your case will be forwarded to ResNet, where a technician will schedule a house call to help get your computer connected.

DoIT also manages your UW email account, your NetID login and your MyUW web portal.

How do I connect to ResNet?

If you are resident of the UW-Madison Residence Halls or University Apartments read our connection guide for information on how to connect.

What regulations govern use of ResNet Internet access?

ResNet network access is governed by a University Appropriate Use Policy as well as a ResNet AUP. Also, starting with the 07-08 academic year, there is new Policy on Resident Use of Copyrighted Materials.

I have a question regarding file sharing or copyright infringement.

For tips on filesharing visit our Filesharing page.
For information on copyright infringment, visit our Policy on Resident Use of Copyrighted Materials page which is new for the 07-08 academic year.

 

Does ResNet offer wireless service?

In the spring of 2005, University Housing IT completed a project to bring ResNet Wireless to the residence hall dining rooms and also the University Apartments Community Center. In summer 2007 we deployed 88 more wireless access points which will provide wireless coverage in nearly all common areas in the residence halls. For details, please visit the ResNet Wireless page.

Outside of University Housing, DoIT offers wireless connectivity in many locations on campus. Visit their page for more information.

How much does ResNet cost?

Residence Halls

The cost of ResNet is included in your Housing contract, so there are no additional fees.

Eagle Heights Apartments

The cost for ResNet data service is included in your monthly rent.

Are there any paper forms to fill out to gain access to the ResNet network?

No. Data access is up and running from the day you move in. You need only plug in and register electronically with NetReg using your campus NetID. Also, game consoles and other network devices must be registered before they can connect to ResNet. To do this, go to My ResNet and click on the Game Console Self Registration link.

How often do I need to register with NetReg?

The first time you attach a device to the ResNet network, you will be required to register it through NetReg using your NetID. After that, you will need to re-register your computer every 120 days. Manually registered devices such as game consoles, will need to be re-registered once each year. You will never be asked to re-register during the 2-week period around final exams each semester. Requiring residents to periodically re-register is necessary so that we can properly maintain the NetReg database and keep the ResNet network secure by removing expired NetID's.

Users who purchase new computers or network interface cards after authenticating with NetReg will need to re-register that device.

How do I activate my campus NetID account?

In order to activate your NetID, you'll need to have either a campus photo ID or a 10-digit campus ID. If you have a campus ID and are ready to activate your NetID, please visit the NetID activation page.

Guests and temporary residents not eligible for a NetID can visit our online form to request access.

I am not eligible for a NetID, but I am living in UW-Housing can I still connect?

The ResNet network is available to residents living in University Housing Residence Halls and Eagle Heights. If you are living in one of these locations and have questions about your eligibility for a NetID visit DoIT's NetID activation page. Residents not eligible for a NetID can visit our online form to request access.

Do I need my own computer?

While the convenience of ResNet Internet service will offer great advantages to Housing residents, there are plenty of computing resources on campus to meet the needs of those who choose not to bring a computer to campus. For residents of the University Residence Halls, there are Technology Learning Centers (TLC) that operate computer lab facilities from within Housing buildings that emphasize academic success in a technological environment. There are also numerous computer labs (InfoLabs) on campus, some offering 24-hour access, that are open to all UW-Madison students and staff. It may be wise to check with your academic major department to see what computer recommendations they have.

The University Apartments Community Center also offers the use of two computer kiosks for residents of University Apartments. These kiosks provide residents access to web browsing.

If you are thinking about purchasing a new computer, students and staff are often eligible for discounts on computer hardware and software. The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has a Computer Showroom (265-SHOW) in the Computer Sciences building, with many models and a professional staff to answer questions.

Is my current computer good/new/flashy enough to connect?

ResNet requires that your computer be equipped with an Ethernet network card and anti-virus software. However we do recommend the following hardware:

PC: Pentium IV with Windows XP

MAC: G3 or faster with OS X

If your computer has an Ethernet network card installed, it should be able to connect. If your computer does not have an Ethernet network card installed you can purchase one at the DoIT Tech Store on campus or at an area electronics store.

Am I required to have Antivirus software?

Campus policy requires that all computers connected to the campus network are running up-to-date anti-virus software. 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.

Am I allowed to have a static IP address?

No, IP addresses on ResNet are assigned dynamically by a DHCP server. Residents using unauthorized static IP addresses may lose network access privileges. If you are interested in having your own web page, check out the free service My Web Space offered by the Division of Information Technology (DoIT)

Are ResNet services just for UW Housing residents?

Because ResNet is part of University Housing, is paid for by Housing residents, and is physically located entirely within the confines of University Housing buildings, ResNet services are provided exclusively for residents and conference guests living in University Residence Halls and University Apartments.

What kind of cables do I need to connect, where can I purchase them?

To connect your computer to the data jack in your room, you will need a Category5 or Category6 Ethernet data cable. You can purchase these cables at any computer/electronics store. Data cables are also available for purchase at the following locations:

Residence Halls

Data cables are available for purchase at your residence hall desk.

To connect your TV to the video jack in your room, you will need a coaxial video cable. You can purchase these cables at any electronics store. Video cables are also available for purchase at your hall desk.

Eagle Heights Apartments

Data cables are available for purchase at the University Apartments Office in the Community Center.

Why won't my Xbox or Playstation 2 work on the network?

Game consoles must be registered before they can connect to ResNet. To do this, go to My ResNet and click on the Game Console Self Registration link. If you have already done so and are still having problems, check out our troubleshooting page.

Why won't my email client send/receive mail on ResNet?

Residents using non-web email clients must use the secure campus mail server for sending mail. Check here for instructions on configuring your email client. Keep in mind that ResNet does not provide software support for email clients and residents should contact the DoIT Help Desk or the software manufacturer for further support.

What is a MAC address and how do I find it on my computer?

Every network card has a unique 12-digit hexadecimal address called a MAC (Media Access Control) address. This address binds your network card to your IP address to receive data. This address does not start with the sequence of 146.151 (the beginning of your IP address). To find your MAC address locate your system below and follow the given procedure. A MAC address will look like XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX, where each X is either a number or a letter A-E.

• Windows 95/98/ME Systems: Click the Start button, choose Run, type WINIPCFG and press Enter. Your MAC address will appear in the Adapter Address window.
  
  
• Windows NT, 2000, XP Systems: Click the Start button, choose Run, and type CMD. A black screen will appear, in this screen type ipconfig /all. Your MAC address will be the physical address.
  
  
• Macintosh Systems: Select the Apple Menu, choose the System Preferences option, and the Network control panel. Select the TCP/IP tab. Find the physical address or MAC address.

How can I contact ResNet?

If you are seeking troubleshooting information please read through our Connection Guide and Troubleshooting Page before contacting ResNet. If you are looking for other information or you have tried everything else, please feel free to call the ResNet Help Line at (608) 262-8703 or email us at resnet@housing.wisc.edu. You are also welcome to stop by the ResNet office any time Mon-Fri, between 8:00am and 4:30pm. You may want to call ahead to make sure the appropriate staff are on hand to answer your questions.

Where is the ResNet office?

The Housing IT and ResNet offices are located in the Lakeshore area of campus in the lower level of Swenson House. To reach our offices enter through the west entrance of Swenson.

Our mailing address is:

University Housing IT Dept./ResNet
Swenson House, Rm. B110
645 Elm Drive
Madison, WI 53706

To locate Swenson House or any campus building, please see the UW Campus Map Website

I want to work for the Housing IT Department. How do I apply?

The Housing IT Department has a number of student staff and occasionally has positions to fill. The recruitment process is handled through the Housing Human Resources Office and preference is given to students who are current Housing residents. Any student wishing to apply for a job with UW Housing may visit the Human Resources office in Slichter Hall, or apply online at: http://www.housing.wisc.edu/jobs/.