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ResNet Frequently Asked Questions

My registration failed and it tells me I'm already registered. What should I do?

This situation occurs when you connect to ResNet via a wireless router that is not registered. The router you are connecting with must be registered before you can access ResNet from any device using it to connect to ResNet. To register, locate the MAC address of the physical port that connects to the ResNet jack. Connect to the network using your router and open a web browser. When you are re-directed to the registration page choose the option for registering wireless routers (the third option) and enter the routers MAC address and your login credentials into the registration form and follow the instructions. You may need to reboot your router in order for it to obtain a new IP address.

The registration page is asking me to download some software. Is this OK?

Yes, you must download and run the Bradford Security agent in order to register any computer directly connecting to the network. This software is not permanently installed on your computer and will not make any changes to your computer. It simply scans your computer to verify whether the computer is in compliance with our network policy (operating system patched, anti-virus installed).

What is ResNet?

ResNet, short for Residential Network, is part of the Division of University Housing's Information Technology Department and provides data, video and voice services for the exclusive use of University Housing residents and registered guests. Internet service is provided for all residents living in University Housing Residence Halls and University Apartments. In addition, ResNet also provides the Residence Halls with expanded basic cable TV service. University Apartments residents seeking Cable TV or telephone service will need to contact a Madison area service provider and set up these services themselves. UW-Madison does offer a selection of television channels on the Digital Academic Television Network (DATN) that can be viewed on any computer that is connected to the ResNet network.

If you have questions or need to open a support case, please call the ResNet Help Line at (608) 262-8703. You may also email general questions to resnet@housing.wisc.edu. This email address should not be used to open a support case, for technical support please call the ResNet Help Line.

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. To locate Swenson House or any campus building, please see the UW Campus Map Web site. You are 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.

Our mailing address is:

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

Housing IT and ResNet are managed separately from The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) which is located in the Computer Sciences building and is the central IT resource 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. Additionally, 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 which provides level 1 support for ResNet users. DoIT 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 Housing IT 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 services?

Go to the ResNet Internet Access page for information on how to connect to the network in your room/apartment.
Go to the ResNet Internet Access page for information on how to connect to the ResNet Wireless network.
Go to the ResNet Video Service page for information on television services.
Go to the ResNet Voice Services page for information on telephone services.

I need a campus NetID to access the ResNet Network. How does that work?

When you connect to the ResNet network, you will be asked to provide your campus-assigned NetID as part of the authentication process. Normally you will receive a NetID account when you attend the incoming Freshman orientation or when you sign up for classes. If you are a registered student and you do not yet have your NetID, contact the campus help desk at 608-264-HELP or visit the NetID activation web page. You will need to provide your Wiscard student ID number in order to activate a NetID.

Registered visitors and guests staying in University Housing who are not eligible for a campus NetID should visit our online form to request temporary access.

How much does ResNet cost?

• Residence Halls
  The cost of ResNet data and video services are included in your Housing contract, so there are no additional fees. If you would like to have a telephone line installed in your room, visit the ResNet Voice Service page for information and costs.
• University Apartments
  The cost for ResNet data service is included in your monthly rent. ResNet does not offer video or voice services at University Apartments. University Apartments residents seeking Cable TV or telephone service will need to contact a Madison area service provider and set up these services themselves. UW-Madison does offer a selection of television channels on the Digital Academic Television Network (DATN) that can be viewed on any computer that is connected to the ResNet network.

What regulations govern the use of ResNet Internet access?

ResNet network access is governed by a University Appropriate Use Policy as well as a  ResNet AUP. In addition, there is also an additional Policy on Resident Use of Copyrighted Materials.

For tips on file sharing visit our file sharing page.
 

For information on copyright infringement, visit our Policy on Resident Use of Copyrighted Materials page.

Do I need to bring 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.

Am I required to have anti-virus 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 Campus Security web site. At this site you will find a variety of tips for keeping your computer secure and protected.

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).

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/apartment, you will need a Category5 or Category6 Ethernet data cable. To connect to the TV jack in your room you will need a coaxial video cable.

Residence Halls
Data cables and coax cables are available for purchase at any Housing Dining Services convenience store.

Eagle Heights Apartments
Data cables are available for purchase at the Main Office in the Community Center.
 

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. Visit this campus help desk knowledgebase article for instructions to configure popular email clients.