Network Connection Troubleshooting

NOTE: Please make sure that your network settings match our Network Documentation. Also if you can't find your network username and password, go to http://resnet.ucsd.edu/studentinformation.shtml for directions.

Most of the computers purchased today can be connected to ResNet without any special configuration. Simply plug in the Ethernet cord from the computer to the Ethernet port in your room and it should work right away. For older machines, some settings may need to be changed in order to get connected. If your computer does not connect right away, try following these general troubleshooting steps. If you are still unable to get a connection, try checking our online troubleshooting information from another computer, or call us!

Problem 1: I have tried to go to http://resnet.ucsd.edu, but it still won't connect.

Win2K and XP

  • From the Start menu, choose Run. Type cmd and click OK. In the Command Prompt window, type in ipconfig.
  • If your IP address is listed as "0.0.0.0" or it starts with "169.254," type in ipconfig /release. Then type in ipconfig /renew. If you do not get a response after waiting for a long time, please go to another computer and look at our online resources for troubleshooting, OR call us.
  • If your IP address is listed as "128.54.x.x," all you need to do is go register on our website.
Problem 2: My cable isn't staying in the Ethernet port.
  • Make sure you are not using your phone cable. You CANNOT use your phone cable with your Ethernet card. Doing so may damage the connectors within the cards and/or your phone cable. You must buy a separate Ethernet cable, otherwise known as Cat-5 cable.
  • An Ethernet cable connector has 8 pins, as opposed to 4 pins on a phone cable connector. Ethernet cables are also wider.
  • Make sure the head of your network cable isn't broken - if it is, they will most likely slip out. The head of the cable should click into your Ethernet port. If the head is broken, buy a new cable.
Problem 3: I suspect there is something wrong with the cable modem (black box on wall) or port in my room.(This only applies to those residential areas that use a cable modem: Warren Apartments, Muir Tioga, and the Marshall Lowers and residence halls).
If you are in one of these areas, but do NOT have a cable modem in your room, you will have a small gray box with an Ethernet port that is connected to a modem in a near-by room. Please do not unplug the modem for any reason at any point during the year, unless you are power-cycling it OR have been instructed by ResNet to unplug it. Unplugging your modem will not only affect you, but may affect other students in other rooms.
  • Try restarting your computer before you connect to register.
  • Make sure your Ethernet cable is plugged into one of the modem ports highlighted with yellow. The port with the blue around it is a consol port and will NOT give you a network connection.
  • The cable modem will not function without power. Please check to make sure that your cable modem is still plugged in to the power outlet. If there are no green lights on the face of the modem, it does not have power.
  • The coax cable to the box might be disconnected. You can check this connection by following the coax cable from the wall to the cable modem. The coax cable is the thick round cable, and looks like cable you would see for a cable TV connection. If it is not connected, disconnect the power and reconnect the coax cable to the bottom of the modem. Then reconnect the power. There is also a coax cable that connects to the side of the modem. Make sure that connection is secure.

Often, power-cycling the modem by unplugging it from the electrical outlet, waiting two minutes, and then plugging it back in will re-enable the connection. Make sure to give the modem at least 30 minutes to establish a connection.

Problem 4: My computer still doesn't connect after trying all the solutions of the Common Problems. Anything left to try?
  • Borrow a friend's Ethernet cable to see if you have a bad cable, even if your cable is new.
  • Try plugging into a friend's or neighbor's port to see if your port is broken. You can also have your roommate connect directly to your port to test the connection in your room. If your roommate is able to get a connection in his port, but unable to get a connection using your port, most likely, your port is broken. Please call us and we can make arrangements to get it fixed or replaced. If your roommate can get a connection in either port, the problem is either with your cable, your network card, or your computer.
If you are still having problems, please contact us!