Network Access

Each dorm room on campus has one network port that you may connect a computer into. This connection will allow you to access local network resources, such as files, e-mail, etc. This connection also provides filtered Internet access. To connect your computer to the wired network you will need the following items:

• A network interface card (NIC). These are usually listed as 10/100 Mbps Ethernet cards. Most computers manufactured in the last couple of years have come standard with a built-in NIC. If you are unsure if your computer has a NIC you can tell by looking at the ports on the back of your computer. A NIC port looks very similar to a phone jack, but a NIC port is noticeably larger than a phone jack. If your computer does not have a NIC, we will help you to install one, but you must provide the NIC.
• A network cable. These are usually listed as Cat5, Cat5e, or Cat6 Ethernet network cables. These cables are similar to phone cables, but they are thicker than phone cables and have larger connectors.

Most rooms also have access to Union's wireless network. We consider the wireless network to be a secondary method of connecting to the network due to its speed and reliablilty, compared to the wired network. If you are in an area with a wired network port, such as your bedroom, we recommend that you use the wired connection.

Please note: personal wireless access points and routers are NOT allowed anywhere on campus, including the dorms. We have had problems in which personal wireless access points and routers have disrupted network service for many users on our network.

Under normal circumstances, the only step that you will need to complete to connect your computer to the wired network is to make the physical connection between the network port on the wall and the NIC on the back of the computer.

If you are trying to connect to Union's wireless network, select the "UU_wireless" network with your wireless client.

If you are still unable to connect to the network/Internet after completing these steps then restart your computer. If restarting does not fix your problem then please contact ResNet support.