Getting Your Computer Connected at UCSD

Before you start, you'll need:

  • A computer that meets minimum requirements
  • A "straight through" type Ethernet cable (Cat-5) or a wireless 802.11b/g/n compatible network adapter.
  • A UCSD Network username and password

Getting Started

In most areas, wireless is available in addition to your wired Ethernet connection. However, your wired Ethernet connection should be your primary connection because it is more reliable, much faster and more secure. In addition, wireless is primarily for the common room areas, not individual rooms.

Connecting to the network using your wired Ethernet cable
  1. Most computers come with the default configuration settings already in place. If you are not able to connect using the steps listed below, please consult our Network Documentation section.
  2. If you are connecting using an Ethernet cable, make sure it is plugged into your computer and the appropriate Ethernet connection. This will either be in one of the yellow ports (1-4, not the blue console port) on the side of the black Cisco modem, or a direct Ethernet port in your room. The extra ports in rooms and the common areas are not automatically activated. If you need additional active ports please call ResNet at (858) 534-2267 and ask to borrow a network switch.
  3. Make sure your wireless card is turned off
  4. Familiarize yourself with the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy.
  5. Using the computer you wish to register, click on the Register Your Connection link. Be sure to be at the physical location where you will be using the computer. Registration can take up to 30 minutes.
Connecting to the network using your wireless connection
  1. If you are connecting via wireless, make sure the wireless antenna is on and your wired connection is unplugged.
  2. Double-click on the wireless icon on the system tray on the bottom right, and connect to an access point located in your building. An example is the access point called "resnet-earth200" in ERC Earth or "RESNET-MUIR" in Muir college
  3. Some areas offer encrypted wireless, specifically The Village West, Revelle Argo and Blake, Warren Black and Brennan, Muir, and 6th ResHalls. The name of the access point will have an "-E" at the end of the name (i.e., RESNET-MUIR-E). Encrypted wireless connections make it more difficult for others to "listen in" on your wireless conversation. The service cannot encrypt your data through all the paths it travels, but it does offer a more secure connection.
  4. To connect to the ResNet encrpyted wireless, you must first connect to an un-encrypted network first. Then, visit UCSD's documentation online on how to setup your computer to connect to the ResNet encrypted wireless network. For Windows users, if you have configured your computer to connect with "UCSD-PROTECTED" access points, you will have configure your computer again to connect to the ResNet encrypted wireless
  5. Familiarize yourself with the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy.
  6. Using the computer you wish to register, click on the Register Your Connection link. Be sure to be at the physical location where you will be using the computer. Registration can take up to 30 minutes.

For more information, please visit the Networking Documentation.

Getting Network Devices Connected at UCSD

In accordance with our Acceptable Use Policy, network devices such as wireless routers must be registered with ResNet. Registering devices such as gaming systems can be registered through email. See below for more details.

  1. Wireless Routers/Access Point
    2. Wireless routers or access points can only be registered by coming to our front desk. Also, due to interference from personal wireless routers on UCSD wireless equipment, residents in the following ResNet areas will not be able to register a wireless router or access point:

    • Revelle College
    • Muir Apartments and Tenaya
    • ERC College
    • The Village
    • Warren Residence Halls, Graduate Housing and Black and Brennan Apartments
    • Sixth College

    When you bring in your router, make sure to bring in your laptop as well. Once you register your device with us, we will need you to retrieve some information for us. Select the appropriate link below to find out how to retrieve this information. Registration of network devices usually go through within 48 hours of us receiving all of the information, but may take longer at the beginning of the quarter. For questions, please contact us at (858) 534-2267 or resnet@ucsd.edu.

  2. Web Browser Enabled devices

    3. These devices can be registered by using the in device browser. The browser should redirect to the ResNet registration page. Devices such as PS3, PSP, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Smartphones have this capability. If you have any problems please contact the help desk by email or phone.

  3. Game Systems

    4. We currently do not provide documentation on every game device, but we have provided some helpful links below. If you email us at resnet@ucsd.edu with the information below using your UCSD account, we will be able to register your device for you. Please make sure that your device stays connected to the network while we process your registration.

    The following information is needed:
    1. Location of dorm
    2. Game System (e.g., XBox, Wii, DS, etc.)
    3. WAN MAC Address (xxxx.xxxx.xxxx)
    4. IP Address of device (a correct temporary IP address given by ResNet should be 172.17.xxx.xxx)
    5. Phone Number

Helpful Links for getting device information