Residential Computer Network Connection for Whittier (ResNet)

Every room in Whittier Hall and in the New Residence Halls has a high speed Ethernet jack. Any resident with a personal computer (PC/Mac) that meets the recommended minimum configurations can connect to the Internet at high-speed and access resources like e-mail, FTP, and the World Wide Web. This high-speed connection is many times faster than a modem connection. Whittier Hall and New Residence Hall residents who are interested in obtaining the service can obtain information from Dr. Nii Nartey lnn3@columbia.edu, 212- 678-8418, from the Residentia Consultant, or by calling the Student Computing Support Center at 242 HM, 212-678-3304.

Recommended Configurations

• PC Windows: Pentium processor, 128 MB of RAM, Windows 98 or later, and a CD-ROM drive.
• Macintosh: PowerPC processor, 128 MB of RAM , System 9.x or later, and a CD-ROM drive.

Step-by-step Guide
Buying a Network Identification Card
Registering a Network Identification Card
Frequently Asked Questions
Resident Consultants

Step-by-step Guide

1. Get the Hardware: Ethernet Card and Cable (10BaseT, RJ45) To establish an Ethernet connection, you must have a 10BaseT Ethernet Adapter and attach a 10BaseT Ethernet Cable (RJ45) from the computer to the Ethernet jack. Some computers come with built-in Ethernet adapter. If you need to purchase a Card and/or a Cable, regardless of the brand, the type should be Ethernet 10BaseT (RJ45). Please be sure that you buy a long enough Ethernet Cable (CAT 5), not a telephone extension cord (that's for Modem, not Ethernet).

• For PC/Windows desktops: usually the Interface Type should be PCI. Examples: 3Com EtherLink XL, D-Link DFE-530TX+, Linksys LNE100TX, Netgear FA310TX, SMC EZNET 10/100
• For PC/Windows laptops: you need a PCMCIA card, also knows as a PC Card. Examples: 3Com Megahertz, D-Link DFE-650TX, Linksys PCM100, Netgear FA410TXC, Xircom RealPort/CreditCard
• For Macintosh: Apple or AsantŽ 10BaseT or RJ45

2. Configure Your Computer. Install and setup the Ethernet card by consulting your Ethernet card manual, or a resident consultant.

4. Find the Ethernet Hardware Address of the Ethernet Card. An Ethernet hardware address is a unique 12-digit hexadecimal (0-9, A-F) number that identifies your Ethernet adapter. Manufacturers assign Ethernet addresses to identify each machine on the network. Here is a sample Ethernet address: 00001D1298AC. Some systems write this as: 00:00:1D:12:98:AC, 00-00-1D-12-98-AC, or 0000.1d12.98ac. A hardware address always comprises of exactly 12 hexadecimal numbers. Any leading zeroes are significant and must be entered. All users must register their Ethernet hardware address. Sometimes you can find the hardware address printed on a sticker on the card itself. Otherwise, depending on the system, you can use one of the following methods:

• For PC/Windows 98/Me: From Start > Run, then type winipcfg. The Ethernet Hardware Address is listed in the Adapter Address field. winipcfg is part of Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows 98/Me. For details on how to install TCP/IP from the Microsoft Windows 98/Me distribution, please consult the AcIS Internet Software & Manual for Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98/Me documentation, or a Residential Consultant.
• For PC/Windows 2000/XP: From Start > Run, then type cmd. This will bring up a DOS window. Then in that window, type ipconfig /all. Your Ethernet Hardware Address should appear in the Physical Address field. You may ask the Residential Consultant for help.
• For Macintosh: Use an Ethernet 10BaseT Cable to connect your Macintosh Ethernet card to a live (activated) Ethernet jack. From Control Panel > TCP/IP, then click on Info, or from File > Get Info. The Ethernet Hardware Address is listed in the Hardware Address field. You may also consult your Residential Consultant.

You can buy the Ethernet card and/or cable from any computer store:

• Columbia Bookstore at Lerner Hall ( Broadway at 115th Street)
• CompUSA: 1775 Broadway @ 57th: 262-9711, M-F 9-8, S 10-7, U 11-6 420 5th Avenue @ 37th: 764-6224, M-F 8:30-8, S 10-7, U 11-6

Registering a Network Identification Card

Every ResNet user must register with Dr. Nii Nartey at 242 HM, 212-678-8418, lnn3@columbia.edu. You can register your ResNet information by filling out a form in 242 HM, or visit Dr. Nii Nartey in person, by phone, or by e-mail. ResNet registration requires: First Name, Last Name, Room #, Ethernet Jack Number (on the wall, usually begins with WOO and your room number), Telephone Number, CUNIX User ID, and Hardware Address.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a ResNet connection cost? There is no additional fee for a ResNet connection; it's included in the rent.

2. Do I need a modem to connect to the ResNet network? No, a modem is not necessary. Instead, you need an Ethernet 10BaseT Card & Cable (RJ45).

3. Can I connect a computer that does not meet the minimum hardware requirements? Older computers may connect to the network, but certain applications may be slow and recent network software releases may not work properly or at all (eg. current versions of Netscape).

4. When I click on Netscape, my computer tries to dial up to my Internet Service Provider, how can I stop this? From Start > Settings > Control Panel, Double Click on the Internet or Internet Options. Click on the tab labeled Connection, and choose to connect to the Internet using a Local Area Network.

5. What is an IP Address? IP (Internet Protocol) is the standard way of regulating data transmission between computers on the Internet. IP ADDRESS is the numeric address of a computer in the format used on the Internet. For example, the IP address of CUNIX is 128.59.59.11. Each computer on the internet should reserve an IP address by registering its Hardware Address.

6. What do I need to do to use the Ethernet jacks in Butler? For information on how to get a network connection with a laptop in Butler Library, go to the Mobile Network Service Web site at http://www.columbia.edu/acis/networks/mns/.

7. I'm having trouble getting my ResNet connection to work. What should I do?
Have you registered your ResNet connection? If you have already registered, double-check your cable. You must use an Ethernet 10BaseT cable to connect to the network. 10BaseT cables look like phone cables but have slightly larger plugs at the ends. You should plug the cable directly in to the Ethernet jack rather than a phone jack. If you moved to a new room or changed your Ethernet card, you must re-register. When all else fails and you would like personal assistance with installing or using your ResNet connection, please contact your resident consultant.

8. Where can I get more information about the ResNet/ Network? Residential Computer Consultants answer questions and make in-room visits to help students regarding installation and use of ResNet connections. You can also find information on the ResNet Web Site at http://tc-web.tc.columbia.edu/~cis/resnet, or in the Computer Center at 242 HM, or visit or e-mail to Dr. Nii Nartey at 242 HM (lnn3@columbia.edu), #8418. Academic Computing Services (ACS) also offers workshops on a variety of topics to help you learn more about using the Internet.

Resident Consultants

Seynabou Diop (sd300@columbia.edu)