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Campus Technology Services

CTS - ResNet Services: FAQs

Taking Steps for the Future

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  1. What is ResNet?
  2. How do I connect to ResNet?
  3. My computer doesn't meet the minimum system requirements. What can I do?
  4. Will 64-bit operating systems work with ResNet?
  5. Why does ResNet require my computer to have antivirus software and security updates?
  6. Is there wireless in the Residence Hall rooms?
  7. Can I use a wireless router in my room?
  8. Can I have more than one device connected to ResNet?
  9. How do I find my computer's Ethernet Hardware Address?
  10. My roommate has a machine connected to the only data jack in the room. Does this mean I can't connect my computer?
  11. What is a hub and how does it work?
  12. Why isn't my ResNet connection working? 
  13. What if I move to another residence hall?
  14. Can I get ResNet if I am off-campus?

 

1) What is ResNet? 

ResNet is SUNY Oswego's Residential Network located in the Residence Hall Rooms (we like to call it ResNet for short). It allows you to have a dedicated wired connection to the campus network and to the Internet right from your Residence Hall room. At least one 10 Mbps copper RJ45 Ethernet connection is provided to each residence room on campus. 

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2) How do I connect to ResNet?

There a few requirements to get connected to ResNet including making sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements, having an activated SUNY Oswego email account, installing anti-virus software, and making sure your computer is up-to-date with the latest operating system security updates.  These should be taken care of before your arrival to campus. For details on each of these, please visit our Get Connected page.

When you arrive on campus, instructions on how to physically connect your computer to the campus network and on how to use the automated registration program to register you computer on the network will be provided in your Residence Hall room.  The "Residential Network Connection Guide" is also available online.  Please note: you will need a 14-25 foot cable to physically connect your computer to the network.  If you forget to bring one with you, the College Store has them for sale.

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3) My computer doesn't meet the minimum system requirements. What can I do?  

If you still wish to get connected, we suggest you upgrade to a computer that meets the minimum system requirements.  Then use the Get Connected page for instructions on how to prepare it for ResNet.

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4) Will 64-bit operating systems work with ResNet?

At this time, we do not recommend purchasing a 64-bit operating system, including 64-bit versions of Windows XP or Windows Vista.  There are campus services and applications that do not function correctly with 64-bit operating systems, including the SUNY Oswego wireless network.  Specifically, the Cisco VPN Client required to use the SUNY Oswego wireless network will not function.

64-bit operating systems are specialized distributions intended for a very limited audience.  They are not designed for distribution to the normal home end-user, but instead are targeted at high-end end users for very specific applications.  A large number of applications will not function properly or not function at all in 64-bit environments.  Each individual application needs to be specifically re-written to support 64-bit.  In addition hardware drivers for printers, scanners and other peripherals may not always exist.     

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5) Why does ResNet require my computer to have antivirus software and security updates?

Our campus network must be protected from internal and external virus and security threats. To help ensure a virus-free network, antivirus software is required to be installed on all campus computers. To assist students who may not have antivirus software, we provide the McAfee Enterprise antivirus software at no charge.  You can download and install it from our Software Downloads page.

Without adequate protection, worms and other malicious software have opportunities to infect your system. In turn, the traffic generated by infected computers can slow the entire campus network to a crawl. By installing antivirus software and staying up-to-date with the latest operating system security updates, you are not only securing your personal computer, you are also contributing to the stability and security of the campus network.

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6) Is there wireless in the Residence Hall rooms?

Currently, wireless is not available in individual Residence Hall rooms.  Wireless is available in certain common gathering spaces in some of the Residence Halls and is also available in the dining halls.  Please consult our wireless map for specific wireless-enabled locations.  If coverage does reach into a residence hall room, it is purely a symptom of the radio signal and may not function properly.  

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7) Can I use a wireless router in my room?

A wireless routers extends the campus network and is a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy.  Wireless routers are not allowed. 

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8) Can I have more than one device connected to ResNet?  

If you would like to connect more than one computer or would like to connect an Internet capable gaming device, you will need to pay an additional connection fee per device, per semester.  The auto registration system only handles registering a single computer in your name. You will need to call the Technology Support Center at x3456 to get the device(s) registered.  Please be prepared to provide them with the Ethernet Hardware Address of the additional device (see next question for finding the ethernet hardware address). 

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9) How do I find my computer's Ethernet Hardware Address?

When you call for support you may be asked for your Ethernet hardware address (also called a "MAC" address).  To find your Ethernet Hardware Address, click here.  

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10) My roommate has a machine connected to the only data jack in the room. Does this mean I can't connect my computer?  

Most Residence Halls are equipped with one data jack per room. In those halls, we provide a piece of equipment called a hub for each room, which allows you and your roommate to share the connection. Hart, Johnson and Riggs all have two data jacks in each room and do not require a hub.  Lonis/Mackin/Moreland has one data jack, but only one person lives in each room and therefore does not require a hub.

Please note: If you live in a room equipped with a hub, it is now included in the room checkin/checkout process.  Please make sure the hub, power supply, and ethernet cable for the hub are in the room when you check in and check out.  Otherwise you may be charged by Residential Life and Housing for replacement parts.

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11) What is a hub and how does it work?

A hub is similar to a splitter that you may have seen or used for land line phones.   A hub allows more than one user to connect to the network using only one physical data jack.  Most of the Residence Halls except for Hart, Johnson, Riggs, and Lonis/Mackin/Moreland require the use of a hub.

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12) Why isn't my ResNet connection working?  

There are a few possibilities why your ResNet connection may not be working. Please consult the Need Help? page for more information and assistance.

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13) What if I move to another residence hall?  

If you plan to move to another residence hall you will need to contact Residence Life and Housing and make sure they have updated your campus address.  You may also need to re-register your computer on the network.

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14) Can I get ResNet if I am off -campus?

At this time, the only service we offer to off-campus Residents is 56 Kbps dial-up modem connectivity.  However, the city of Oswego and surrounding areas are serviced by Time Warner's RoadRunner service, which is comparable to the service we offer.  Through RoadRunner you can access campus network resources such as your email and library based information services. Please also note that Time Warner's RoadRunner service is not available on campus. 

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 Last Updated: 8/22/08