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Residence Life Network (Resnet) — FAQ's
 

 

Technical Questions

  1. Can I use my modem to access Resnet?
  2. If I can't use my modem over Resnet is there another way to get online with my modem?
  3. What is the difference between a modem and Ethernet?
  4. What kind of computer do I need for Resnet?
  5. What kind of ethernet card do I need for Resnet?
  6. What do I do if my connection is not working?
  7. Can someone help me get connected?
  8. What is the difference between PCI and ISA?
  9. What is PCMCIA?
  10. Do I need my own printer?
  11. What are switches, hubs and routers and can I use these in my room?
  12. Can and how do I multihost?
  13. My computer is setup statically, how do I set it to use DHCP?

Back to the Resnet FAQ's Table of Contents

Can I use my modem to access Resnet?
No, Resnet is strictly a 10⁄100Base-T network and can not be accessed by modem.

If I can not use my modem over Resnet is there another way to get online with my modem?
No, Resnet is the only way an undergraduate student in the dorms or Daniel Heights can connect to the internet. However, if you are a Graduate student with a modem, you might want to consider using our Campus Dial-In Service, which is offered in conjunction with Merit Network.

What is the difference between a modem and Ethernet?
A modem transmits information at a speed of 56.6kbps (if you have a 56k modem). Ethernet transmits data at 100Mbps. That means that if both your modem and the the Ethernet network were transmitting at optimal speeds, the Ethernet would be about 1700 times faster.

What kind of computer do I need for Resnet?
See our Computer Specs page.

What kind of ethernet card do I need for Resnet?
Any ethernet card that fits the following criteria will work for Resnet.

  • Must have a 10⁄100Base-T port (RJ-45 cable).
  • Must fit the IEEE 802.3 standard.

What do I do if my connection is not working?
There is a list of things that you should check.

  1. The most obvious and most common problem is that the network cable that runs from the wall jack to your computer is loose. Make sure that the cable is firmly secured on both ends.
  2. Make sure you have correct network settings entered in your computer. These can be found in the packet of information that was given to you when you signed up for Resnet, on our web page under the configuration section, or in B25 in the basement of the EERC.
  3. The last common problem is that your port is not active. Use our IP Status form to check if your port is active.

Can someone help me get connected?
Certainly. Resnet has a group of qualified consultants who can help you with your initial installation at no charge. You can contact the Resnet consultants at 3-9955 or visit their offices at B09 in the basement of the EERC.

What is the difference between PCI and ISA?
Technically, PCI is a 32-bit architecture and ISA is a 16-bit architecture. In terms of physical size, a PCI slot is shorter than a ISA slot. See our NIC installation page for a visual comparison.

What is PCMCIA?
PCMCIA is like PCI/ISA for a laptop. They are small cards that slide into your laptop.

Do I need my own printer?
You do not have to own a printer, but they do come in handy when you want to print that English paper at 5 in the morning and all the labs are closed.

What are switches, hubs and routers and can I use these in my room?
You do not have to own a printer, but they do come in handy when you want to print that English paper at 5 in the morning and all the labs are closed.

  • A network hub is a device that connects multiple computers into a network. It runs at either 10 half or 100 full duplex. A hub sends all traffic destined for any machine to all the machines plugged into it. For this reason, it is not secure and can result in collissions that will slow the speed of the network down.

  • A network switch is a device that connects multiple computers into a network. It runs at 10 half, 100 full duplex (or auto). A switch only sends traffic destined to a particular machine to just that machine, unlike a hub.

  • A router is a device that obtains one IP address and allows multiple machines to connect through it. It generally runs Network Address Translation (NAT) that gives internal machines their own, private IP address. Computers outside of the router's Local Area Network (LAN) cannot contact internal machines directly. Please see this question for more detail on their use with Resnet.

Can and how do I multihost?
To multihost, you will need to use a switch. You can find out what a switch is here. A switch will allow you to have up to five devices on the campus network. Each device must be registered prior to use which can be done here. After you purchase your switch and ethernet cables, plug one cable from your jack into any port on your switch. You may then connect any other device you have registered to the remaining ports on your switch.

As of now, Daniell Heights customers cannot multihost. If you have a second or more device(s), you can use your own router [Resnet does not offer support relating to routers.] or register a second account with Customer Service (EERC B12).

My computer is setup statically, how do I set it to use DHCP?
If your computer is setup with a static IP address and you need assistance in configuring it to use DHCP, please see our configuration pages.

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Back to the Resnet FAQ's Table of Contents

 
More on Resnet
 
 
Resnet News
Connected From: 38.103.63.17

Resnet Service in the Heights
(posted October 26, 2006)
Daniell Heights customers are still required to sign up for Resnet service as any other service for their appartment. This can be done at the Customer Service desk located in the EERC room B12.

Having issues with your DSL modem?
(posted May 24, 2006)
There is a new FAQ's section aimed specifically at our DSL customers located in the Daniel Heights. It includes some basic troubleshooting techniques that you can try before contacting the Resnet Consultants.

For more Resnet News see the Resnet News Archives

 
 
 
 
 
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This page was last revised: August 25, 2006

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