Networking FAQ

An Introduction to the Registration Network

The Registration Network is in place to ensure that your computer is up-to-date and virus free before joining the campus network. Infected computers pose a risk to us all — they can potentially infect other Haverford computers and adversely affect the campus network.

Overview

• There are no registration deadlines — register whenever you want. Your computer will remain on the Registration Network until you do so.
• Move your computer between active jacks at any time, before or after you register.
• Once you have completed registration on a wired jack, you may access the dorm wireless network.
• Register a second computer, or change computers without assistance from the Help Desk.
• As always, connect your network cable to the jack positioned in the lower left corner of the wall mounted faceplate.

FAQ Quick Links

• Why is my connection initially on the registration network?
• Where do I plug in my ethernet cable?
• How do I use the dorm wireless network?
• Is there a registration deadline?
• What should I do if there is a problem with my jack and I have no network connection?
• I have two computers. Can they take turns using my jack?
• I have two computers. Can I plug them both into one jack?
• My room has two wire stations and I have two computers, can I connect to both?
• Can I register my gaming console?
• Can I register my Linux computer?
• Can I register my IP phone?
• How do I find the phone number associated with the jack in my dorm room or apartment?

Registration Network FAQ

Why is my connection initially on the registration network?

The Registration Network is in place to ensure that your computer is up-to-date and virus free before joining the campus network. Infected computers pose a risk to us all — they can potentially infect other Haverford computers and adversely affect the campus network. Before you can join the campus network, you must complete the following tasks on the registration network:

• Agree to Haverford’s Acceptable Use Policy
• Complete a brief survey about your computer use
• Install Haverford’s VirusScan software
• Configure your operating system to get updates automatically

Where do I plug in my ethernet cable?

Locate the wire station in your dorm room. Typically, there will be one station per desk in each room. Each wire station includes three jacks. For network access, you should connect your Ethernet cable to the jack positioned in the bottom left corner of the wire station.

 

 

 

How do I use the dorm wireless network?

You may use the dorm wireless network, with the wireless network name dorm-wireless, after you have registered your computer using a wired station. See the dorm-wireless instructions for more information.

Is there a registration deadline?

There are no registration deadlines. Register whenever you want.

What should I do if there is a problem with my jack and I have no network connection?

• Check your computer on a known good jack, like your roommate’s
• Remember to plug into the lower left jack on the wire station
• Contact the ProDesk
• Use another free jack in your room/apartment while you wait for your jack to be repaired

I have two computers? Can they take turns using my one jack?

Yes, you may plug as many different computers as you want into your one jack, but only one at a time.

I have two computers. Can I plug them both into one jack?

No. We do not allow you to extend the campus network by plugging hubs, switches, or routers into the campus network. If you have a special need, please contact the ProDesk, who will arrange for you to speak with the network administrator.

My room has two wire stations and I have two computers, can I connect to both?

You are welcome to connect to both wire stations, with the understanding that we have limited resources. Understandably, there are not enough resources for all students to have two active connections. Please be mindful of the needs of other community members by not using excessive bandwidth to support your computing.

Also note that though each faceplate has 3 jacks, there is only one active connection per faceplate (in the lower left).

Can I register my gaming console?

Yes, but please contact the ProDesk for assistance. Help Desk will ask you for the following information before they manually register your gaming console:

• Your Name
• Building and Room Number
• Gaming Console Type (ex. Wii, Xbox 360)
• Mac Address of Console (AKA Physical Address, Ethernet Adapter Address) — it’s a 12 character alphanumeric identifier
• Best Phone Number to use to Reach You
• Your Email Address

Can I register my Linux computer?

Yes. If you have a non-Linux partition already on that computer (like Vista or Mac OS), boot in to that partition and follow the steps on the registration network. Remember, you are responsible for making sure all operating systems on your computer are up-to-date and secured with up-to-date antivirus software.

If you only have a Linux partition, please contact the ProDesk for assistance. Help Desk will ask you for the following information before they manually register your computer:

• Your Name
• Building and Room Number
• Linux Version
• Mac Address of Computer (AKA Physical Address, Ethernet Adapter Address) — it’s a 12 character alphanumeric identifier
• Best Phone Number to use to Reach You
• Your Email Address

By contacting the Help Desk and requesting a manual registration, you are agreeing to abide by all college computing policies, including the Acceptable Use Policy and the Copyright Infringement Supplement to the Acceptable Use Policy. Read the IT Policy Tips for a quick overview of college policies and computing tips.

Can I register my IP phone?

Yes, but your IP phone must be wired only. Wireless IP phones or phones that provide wireless service are not allowed to register because they can function as a wireless router. We do not allow you to extend the campus network by plugging hubs, switches, or routers into the campus network.

If you have a wired IP phone, please contact the ProDesk for assistance. Help Desk will ask you for the following information before they manually register your IP phone:

• Your Name
• Building and Room Number
• Brand of IP Phone
• Mac Address of Phone (AKA Physical Address, Ethernet Adapter Address) — it’s a 12 character alphanumeric identifier
• Best Phone Number to use to Reach You
• Your Email Address

How do I find the phone number associated with the jack in my dorm room or apartment?

To find the phone number associated your wire station, see Student Telephone Information Page. The Student Telephone Information Page also contains information on how to get help for your telephone connection and campus phone account.