Networking Documentation

Configuring your computer varies from which Operating System you are using. Choose a section below to find out how to set up your computer.

Which Operating System are you using?

Need help installing your Ethernet adapter?

Ethernet Adapter Installation

Note: If you can't get online after verifying the information in the guide corresponding to your Operating System is the same as on your computer, please print this page and follow the Troubleshooting Guide.

Networking Documentation: Windows 2000/NT

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Before You Start:
  • Make sure you are logged in as Administrator. NOTE: Be sure to also have an Administrator password to protect your computer. Please visit http://resnet.ucsd.edu/secure.shtml for complete details.
  • If there is a black cable modem in the room, please make sure it is plugged in and powered on.
  • Please do not unplug the modem for any reason at any point during the year, unless instructed by ResNet.
  • Make sure you have an active Ethernet connection.
  • You must be connecting from one of the undergraduate residence halls or apartments, or graduate housing at Warren or Coast.
  • If you have any questions about your connection, contact UCSD ResNet by e-mailing resnet@ucsd.edu or calling (858) 534-3227.
Step 1:
  1. Click on the Start menu, then Settings, and then click on Network and Dial-up Connections
  2. Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon and select Properties from the shortcut menu that appears.
Step 2:
Local Area Connections Properties XP
  1. Your Ethernet card should appear underneath Connect using: at the top of this window.
  2. You should have Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) listed in the Components checked are used by this connection: section. (If you do see it skip to STEP 3.)
  3. If you do not see it, click Install.
  4. Click Protocol once to highlight it.
  5. Click Add.
  6. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) once to highlight it.
  7. Click OK.
Step 3:
Local Area Connections Properties XP
  1. If there is no check in the box next to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), click the box to put one there.
  2. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) once to highlight it and click on the Properties button.
  3. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  4. Click OK to return to the Local Area Connection Properties window.
  5. Click Close to return to the Control Panel.
Step 4:

Using your web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer), register your connection. This is the only site that you will be able to connect to BEFORE you register. Registering must be done from the location and the computer that you want to register. It may take up to an hour for your registration to activate and for you to be able to connect to the Internet.

Congratulations! You're done!

NOTE: If you can't connect after following the instructions above, please visit the Network Connection Troubleshooting section.

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Networking Documentation: Windows XP/Vista

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Before You Start:
  • Make sure you are logged in as Administrator. NOTE: Be sure to also have an Administrator password to protect your computer. Please visit http://resnet.ucsd.edu/secure for complete details.
  • If there is a black cable modem in the room, please make sure it is plugged in and powered on.
  • Please do not unplug the modem for any reason at any point during the year, unless instructed by ResNet.
  • Make sure you have an active Ethernet connection.
  • You must be connecting from one of the undergraduate residence halls or apartments, or graduate housing at Warren or Coast.
  • If you have any questions about your connection, contact UCSD ResNet by e-mailing resnet@ucsd.edu or calling (858) 534-3227.
Step 1:
Local Area Connections Properties XP
  1. Double-click Network Connections.
  2. Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon and select Properties.
  3. If there is no check in the box next to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), click the box to put one there.
  4. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to highlight it, then click on Properties.
Step 2:
Local Area Connections Properties XP

  1. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  2. Click OK to return to the Local Area Connection Properties window.
  3. Click on Close.
Step 3:

Using your web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer), register your connection. This is the only site that you will be able to connect to BEFORE you register. Registering must be done from the location and the computer that you want to register. It may take up to an hour for your registration to activate and for you to be able to connect to the Internet.

Congratulations! You're done!

NOTE: If you can't connect after following the instructions above, please visit the Network Connection Troubleshooting section.

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Networking Documenation: Mac OS X (10.2-10.4)

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Before You Start:
  • Network applications, including a web browser, must be installed.
  • If there is a black cable modem in the room, please make sure it is plugged in and powered on.
  • Please do not unplug the modem for any reason at any point during the year, unless instructed by ResNet.
  • You must be connecting from one of the undergraduate residence halls, undergraduate apartments, or graduate housing at Warren or Coast Apartments.
  • Your Mac OS computer must be Ethernet ready. If not, you will need to purchase an Ethernet card. See our Recommended Ethernet cards web page.
Step 1:
system prefs os x
  1. Click on the Apple menu then System Preferences
  2. Click on the Network icon.
  3. Set Show: to select Built-in Ethernet.
  4. Click the TCP/IP tab.
  5. Set Configure: to Using DHCP.
  6. Click the Apply Now button.
Step 2:
system prefs os x

Using your web browser (e.g. Safari), connect to http://resnet.ucsd.edu to register your connection. This is the only site that you will be able to connect to BEFORE you register. Registering must be done from the location and the computer that you want to register. It may take up to an hour for your registration to activate, and for you to be able to connect to the Internet.

Congratulations! You're done!

NOTE: If you can't connect after following the instructions above, please visit the Network Connection Troubleshooting section.

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Networking Documenation: Mac OS X (10.5 Leopard)

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Before You Start:
  • Network applications, including a web browser, must be installed.
  • If there is a black cable modem in the room, please make sure it is plugged in and powered on.
  • Please do not unplug the modem for any reason at any point during the year, unless instructed by ResNet.
  • You must be connecting from one of the undergraduate residence halls, undergraduate apartments, or graduate housing at Warren or Coast Apartments.
  • Your Mac OS computer must be Ethernet ready. If not, you will need to purchase an Ethernet card. See our Recommended Ethernet cards web page.
Step 1:
system prefs os x
  1. Click on the Apple menu then System Preferences
  2. Click on the Network icon.
  3. Set Show: to select Built-in Ethernet.
  4. Click the TCP/IP tab.
  5. Set Configure: to Using DHCP.
  6. Click the Apply Now button.
Step 2:
system prefs os x

Using your web browser (e.g. Safari), connect to http://resnet.ucsd.edu to register your connection. This is the only site that you will be able to connect to BEFORE you register. Registering must be done from the location and the computer that you want to register. It may take up to an hour for your registration to activate, and for you to be able to connect to the Internet.

Congratulations! You're done!

NOTE: If you can't connect after following the instructions above, please visit the Network Connection Troubleshooting section.

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Networking Documenation: Linux / Unix

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Linux, Unix, and other multi-user operating systems have become popular on ResNet over the past couple years. There are obvious benefits to running one of these operating systems, but there are a number of risks that you take. If you choose to install one of these operating systems, you should be aware of several things:

  • Beyond the information on this page, no support from ResNet is available.
  • There are many security risks that you take with a multi-user operating system. Hacking into these systems is quite common and may result in your computer violating our acceptable use policy. You will be held responsible if this occurs.
  • If you decide to provide services on your computer, make sure that you are not violating the acceptable use policy.
  • If you decide to install a multi-user operating system, you will need the following information.
    IP Address: Obtain an IP using DHCP
    Gateway/Router: 128.54.128.1
    Subnet mask: 255.255.0.0
    DNS: 128.54.16.2 , 132.239.1.52 , 137.110.0.26
  • You should also subscribe to the RESNET-LINUX-L mailing list. You will receive important security updates, as well as have the opportunity to share information with other ResNet Linux users.

    To subscribe, send an email message to listserver@ucsd.edu. The subject line should be blank.

    The body of the message should have the following line in it:
    subscribe youremailaddress@ucsd.edu resnet-linux-L

    To send a message to the list, address your message to resnet-linux-l@ucsd.edu

    To unsubscribe, send an email message to listserver@ucsd.edu. The subject line should be blank. The body of the message should have the following line in it: unsubscribe youremailaddress@ucsd.edu resnet-linux-L

  • Using your web browser you will need to connect to our website, http://resnet.ucsd.edu to register your connection. IMPORTANT! This MUST be done in your room, with the computer you want to register.
  • It may take up to an hour for your registration to activate. In the meantime, you may not be able to visit any off-campus websites. After the one-hour timeframe, you should be able to surf to anywhere on the Internet.
  • Congratulations! You're done!
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