Connecting Your Computer to the Campus Network
Through a Direct Network Connection

Every residence hall room contains wall jacks that allow students to connect their computers to the campus network without using a phone line and a modem. In order to use this service, your computer must have a 10Base-T Ethernet adapter and a 10Base-T Ethernet cable. All new computers can be ordered with an Ethernet adapter, and both items are available at the University Bookstore and at many computer stores.

Most computers already have software that will let you do basic work on the Internet. Many computers sold within the last four years should connect to the network automatically when they detect an active Ethernet connection.

If you are a student having difficulty connecting to the University's network, you can leave voice mail at 831-8825 or send an e-mail message to our staff. If you are a faculty or staff member seeking assistance with connecting an on-campus computer to the network, contact the IT Help Center at 831-6000 or send an e-mail message to consult@udel.edu.

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You must register your computer's network adapter for full Internet access.

Instructions

• Students returning with the same computer and Ethernet adapter (card):
  If you are a student returning to the residence halls with the same computer and Ethernet (network) adapter you used last year, your computer should be ready to use the campus network and the Internet.
• Registering your Ethernet Adapter:
  If you are using a new computer or an old computer with a new Ethernet adapter, follow the steps outlined below. Even if your computer has a wireless network adapter, use your Ethernet adapter in your residence hall room. It provides a faster and more secure connection.

  1. To make sure you are connecting with the Ethernet adapter, disable your computer's wireless adapter.
     • Windows computers:
       • Click on the Start button, select Settings, select Control Panel.
       • Double-click the Network Connections (XP) or Network and Sharing Center (Vista) icon.
       • Right-click the Wireless Network Connection and choose Disable.

     • Macintosh Computers:
       • Click the Airport icon on the Mac tool bar.
       • Select Turn Airport Off.

  2. Plug one end of your Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet connection and the other into the Ethernet wall jack. Make sure you are using an Ethernet cable and not a phone cable; make sure that you are using the Ethernet connections and not the phone/modem connections. Ethernet connections are wider and fatter than a phone cord's connections.

  3. Open your computer's web browser and go to
     http://www.udel.edu/network
     (UD's Network Page).

  4. If you haven't already done so, complete the UCCE and ECCE exercises to activate your UDelNet ID (your UD e-mail account).

  5. From UD's Network page, select the link labeled Register a computer for Internet access.

  6. After registering your computer's Ethernet adapter, wait approximately 30 minutes and reboot your computer. Your computer will now have full access to the Internet.

• Registering your Wireless Adapter:
  If your computer has a wireless adapter, you must register it for full Internet access, too. Wireless access points are available in all residence hall lounges; however, wireless access is not guaranteed in individual residence hall rooms.

  1. Disconnect your laptop computer from its Ethernet port and take it into a lounge in the residence hall--or any other spot on campus with a strong wireless signal (a dining area, Morris Library, etc.).

  2. Make sure your wireless adapter is enabled. (Reverse the directions listed above to enable your wireless connection (Windows) or to Turn Airport On (Macintosh).

  3. Go to http://www.udel.edu/network to register the wireless adapter for full Internet access.

  4. After registering your computer's wireless network adapter, wait approximately 30 minutes and reboot your computer. Your computer will now have full access to the Internet.

• Using a Router in UD Residence Halls
  Most students will find that their Ethernet connection is all they'll need to connect to the Internet. But if you bring your own wireless router or your own "wired" router, make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions to set up your router. For more information, read Using Personal NAT Routers in UD Residence Halls.
• You are responsible for keeping your computer secure!
  Make sure you keep your computer safe from viruses, hackers, spyware, and other hazards. Go to http://www.udel.edu/security for step-by-step instructions.

• If your computer has difficulty connecting to the network, you may need to follow the directions to configure your Ethernet adapter manually (listed at the bottom of this web page).
• If you encounter any difficulties, consult Troubleshooting Your Ethernet Connection or contact the appropriate IT staff for assistance.

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Configuring your Ethernet adapter manually

• Connecting your Windows Vista computer to the campus network

• Connecting your Windows XP computer to the campus network

• Connecting your Windows 2000 computer to the campus network

• Connecting your Macintosh computer (MacOS X) to the campus network

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IT Help Center
Copyright 1999-2007 University of Delaware
Last updated August 29, 2008