Student Halls Network Connection Guide
Contents: Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 Page 10 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Introduction Network Connection Policy Connecting to the Student Halls Network Connecting to the Internet Virus Protection and Windows Updates What to Buy Didn t it work? Glossary of Terms If you are unfamiliar with any terms throughout this guide please refer to our Glossary of Terms on page 20 Note this guide is available online at http://nethelp.tees.ac.uk IMPORTANT! It is your responsibility and very important to take precautions to protect your machine against possible virus infection. Keep your PC patched and up-to-date with the most recent Microsoft patches. See page 17 and http://nethelp.tees.ac.uk for further information. Page 2 of 21
Introduction Teesside University s Student Halls Network, provides Internet access to students living within the University Halls of Residence. Background Teesside University s Student Halls Network has been created to give access to the University Campus Local Area Network (LAN) to students living in University Halls of Residence. All study bedrooms have this data access provision. This service is NOT a dial-up service using a modem. The Student Halls connection is an Ethernet Network Service providing a connection directly to your study bedroom. This documentation will provide you with all the necessary information that you need to connect including: What equipment you need How to setup your computer What services are available Please note that Teesside University s Halls Network is a privilege and not a right. With this in mind please read our Network Connection Policy before proceeding to connect. Page 3 of 21
Network Connection Policy 1. Purpose The Network Connection Policy informs the University s, staff, students, and other individuals entitled to use University facilities, of the regulations relating to the use of computer networks. This policy supports the University s wider Information Security Policy. The policy exists in order to reduce the likelihood that any personal computer system connected to a University network: can spread computer viruses, spyware, spam and other undesirable software from one computer to another. can, interfere with the operation of the network or of other devices on the network. The policy delineates the responsibility of owners of equipment, be that a private individual responsible for their own equipment (Student in Halls of Residence), a staff member or a technician with responsibility for University equipment. The term Personal Computer refers to any network capable computing device used by an individual. The term Network Operator refers to the department of ICT Systems. 2. The Policy 2.1 Applicable in all areas 2.1.1 All personal computers connected to the University network must have an anti-virus software package installed and enabled. This does not apply to devices where antivirus software is not available. 2.1.2 Anti-virus software pattern files (list of detectable viruses) must be updated at least weekly. 2.1.3 Personal computer systems must have all currently published security fixes\patches applied as soon as practically possible. 2.1.4 *No computer system shall be used to monitor network traffic, or conduct speed or bandwidth tests. Nor shall it be used to interact with any other computer unless said remote computer is offering a specific service the end user is authorised to use. 2.1.5 *No computer system shall be used to interfere with the operation of the network by acting as a network device (router, switch, hub, DNS server, DHCP server, etc). Connection of switches, routers, hubs or broadcast of any wireless signal from any such device is expressly forbidden. 2.1.6 *No computer shall act as a gateway to the University network by virtue of offering dial-in, wireless or direct access to third parties. Page 4 of 21
2.1.7 Any computing device that is found to be disrupting or degrading the operation of the network service intentionally or otherwise is subject to disconnection. In extreme cases this may be without warning. 2.1.8 The downloading/uploading/sharing of illegal, pirated or unlicensed content (images, software, music etc) is expressly forbidden. *University IT technicians, with the explicit agreement of the network operator, may be exempted from clauses (2.1.4, 2.1.5, 2.1.6). 2.2 Applicable to Segregated Networks: 2.2.1 The University gives no guarantee of privacy or security and accepts no responsibility for loss caused by use or failure of these networks. These networks should be regarded as insecure and users are advised not to transmit any vital information over these networks unless that communication is encrypted. 2.2.2 The University will not engage in the repair or configuration of any device that is not University property. The University will provide guidance and self help documentation with respect to the sources of Anti-virus software, how to keep PC based software updated with fixes and patches and how to make a connection to the network. 2.3 Individuals in breach of this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures at the instigation of the Dean/Director with responsibility for the person concerned. The University reserves the right to terminate access to the network of any person in breach of this policy. Page 5 of 21
Connecting to the Student Halls Network What you need To use the student halls service you will need the following: A computer either a desktop computer or a laptop. A working network adaptor for your computer or laptop. A straight-through CAT5 cable An Active Directory username and password *. For more information please see What to Buy on page 19 * Your username is your student ID, and your password will be supplied by your school helpdesk Getting connected to the Student Halls Network Before attempting to connect to the Student Halls Network you must make sure that your network adaptor is installed correctly for your computer or laptop and that you have a CAT5 cable. To physically connect to the Student Halls Network first ensure that your computer or laptop is switched off. Then plug one end of the CAT5 cable into the RJ45 socket on your networking adaptor and connect the other end into the wall socket within your room. You can now start up your computer or laptop. The images below show how a CAT5 cable and RJ45 type socket will appear: CAT5 Networking Cable RJ45 Socket Page 6 of 21
Assuming all has gone correctly you should now be physically connected to Teesside University s Student Halls Network. As a method of confirming this connection some network adaptors have a small light, known as a link light, that will illuminate to show an active network connection exists. If your network adaptor has a link light then it should illuminate once your computer has fully booted up. Refer to the documentation for your network adaptor if you need help locating a link light. How to ensure DHCP is enabled For PC s running Microsoft Windows XP it is important to check DHCP is enabled. There is more information for Mac users on page 13. NOTE: For other versions of Windows you may need to consult your documentation. To check, select Start, Settings and Network Connections. A window will appear. In this window, right click your Local Area Network and select properties. In the Local Area Connection Window select TCP/IP and Properties. Page 7 of 21
You will need to ensure that both Obtain an IP address automatically, and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected. Now close all open windows selecting OK. You can check to see if your IP address has been assigned correctly by selecting Start, Programs, Accessories and Command Prompt. A box should appear similar to the one below. From here type ipconfig and press Enter. the IP address should start with 10.1. If not, read through our Troubleshooting section on page 19. You may now close this window. Page 8 of 21
Existing dial-up (modem) Connections If you have previously used an other Internet Service Provider (ISP) through a modem, you will need to make a minor change to ensure you will not be interrupted by a modem while connected to the Student Halls Network. To make this configuration change within Internet Explorer: Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and select Internet Options. Then select Connections tab. Ensure Never dial a connection is selected. Now close all open windows selecting OK NOTE: This applies to Internet Explorer users, for other web browsers please refer to your documentation. Page 9 of 21
Connecting to the Internet To connect to the internet launch your Web Browser you will then be prompted with the following screen click on ok to continue through the authentication process: Hit Continue Page 10 of 21
Click on the YES button to confirm you have read and agree with the terms and conditions of use and Hit Continue The next page displayed is the Registration page, you need to enter your login account username and password and the details of the Halls of Residence you are staying in. username password (your username is your student I.D.) (this the password issued to you by your school helpdesk) For example: A0000001 qwerty (example student I.D.) (example password) Page 11 of 21
There is a continue button at the bottom of this page, when you select it you will be prompted to run or save csa.exe click on save, this will save the icon to the desktop, minimise the browser window, and click on the csa.exe icon on your desktop, this will scan your machine, checking the version of Operating System, Anti-Virus and Anti-spyware. Page 12 of 21
Click on Run While the scanning software is running the following page will be displayed, DO NOT close the web browser. Once the scan is complete a page similar to the one below will be displayed, reporting the results of the scan. Page 13 of 21
Read the system scan results page carefully. If your PC has failed any of the security scans you need to rectify this before continuing. The screen shot above shows a failed PC scan, the links to rectify the failed test are shown in the red failed tests box. If your PC has passed the system scan checks, click continue. PLEASE NOTE: the scan results on each student PC will vary depending upon the software installed on the PC. Sometimes a PC will fail on just one item of missing software, other PC s may fail on several missing items of software dependent upon the status and type of PC. Follow the on-screen instructions, click on the links for installing and updating the failed software. Once you have installed the required failed software, shut down and re-open your web browser, login again, follow on screen instructions and repeat scanning process until successful. PLEASE NOTE: Failure to comply with the University s network security policy by not installing the required software will result in no network access being granted. Once you have been successful in complying with the Universities system requirements, you will receive a web page as show below. Page 14 of 21
After you have followed the instructions listed above, open your browser again, you will now go through the Authentication process, the following page will be displayed. Page 15 of 21
On the page shown previously, Click on the YES buttons to agree that you will abide by the Network connection policy and that you have read and agreed with the Janet acceptable user policy. Now put in your username and password username password (your username is your student I.D.) (this is the password issued to you by your school helpdesk) For example: A0000001 qwerty (example student I.D.) (example password) After clicking on the AGREE button the following page will be displayed: When you have restarted your machine, you will be on the internet via the University Halls network On line self help is available at http://nethelp.tees.ac.uk Please note the student halls network maybe subjected to necessary planned maintenance and subsequent unavailability for short periods of time. Page 16 of 21
Virus Protection and Windows Updates Anti Virus Computer viruses are a common cause of damage to files and data. It is important at all times, not only when connected to the Internet, to keep your computer free from virus infection using up-todate anti-virus software. Microsoft Windows Updates With the recent increase in volume of Viruses and Trojans, It is important to take precautions to protect your computer from potential infection. For more information about the Windows Update process and to scan for updates, open Internet Explorer and browse to: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com Select Express Install (recommended) to install the critical updates for your computer. Your computer will then be scanned for required updates by the Windows Update process. After completion, a list will be displayed of all the patches currently missing / available. Proceed to install all of these critical updates by selecting Install..., This update process may take a short while depending on the specification of the machine and of course the number of updates available. Page 17 of 21
What To Buy Most desktop computers or laptops will come complete with an Ethernet Network Adaptor. However, if your computer comes without one you will need to purchase one online or from a high street store. See below for more information. Please note Teesside University will not provide cabling or Network Adaptors. Cabling You require a straight-through CAT5 cable with RJ45 connectors. Ensure a cross-over cable is not purchased. To check, the coloured wires at each end of the cable will be in the same order and colour. If you are unsure check with your supplier. Network Adaptor If your computer or laptop does not have a network adaptor then you must purchase one. Ensure that whichever adaptor you purchase can operate at 10Mbs and 100Mb speeds, is Ethernet compatible with an RJ45 connector. The type of adaptor you require will depend on your hardware. If you have a laptop you will have a choice between a USB network adaptor or a PCMCIA network adaptor. For desktop PC owners the best option is to buy a PCI network adaptor. This network card must be physically installed inside your computer casing and therefore it is recommended that you seek assistance in doing this if you are unsure. Many computer stores will do this for a small fee. If you have no spare PCI slots within your computer to fit an internal network adaptor then the next choice would be a USB network adaptor. Again, this requires you to have an empty USB port to connect to however it is an easy and efficient option if you do. PCMCIA Network Adaptor USB Network Adaptor Internal Network Adaptor Page 18 of 21
Troubleshooting if you can t access the internet Follow the checklist below: 1 Have you securely connected the CAT5 cable between the wall socket and your computer or laptop? Most network adaptors have a small light known as a link light that will illuminate to show an active network connection exists, if your network adaptor has a link light then it should illuminate once your computer has fully booted up. 2 Have you configured your TCP/IP settings for DHCP? You must have TCP/IP configured to obtain an IP address automatically. Refer to page 7 for help confirming this setting. 3 IP address The IP address you will receive is dependant on which on stage of registration authentication process you are currently on, but should be in the range 10.1.?.? When the process is complete you will then be placed on the production network and you should then have an address in the range 152.105.?.? You can check if you do not have an Address in this range, temporarily disable your firewall and hit refresh on the web browser. Enable your firewall again once you have a 152.105.?.? address. If the address you receive does not confirm to the above, please contact Student Services or follow the guidelines above. 4 Have you successfully passed the PC scan test? Failure to have your PC up to the required standard for network use, will result in a non working network connection. You must ensure you examine the failed tests results after your PC has been scanned and install / update as necessary the required software. All links to update your PC are listed on the scan results page. Page 19 of 21
Terms Used in this Guide Network A connection of two or more computers so that they can share resources. Browser Short for Web Browser; it is the tool (program) that allows you to surf the web. The most common Web Browser is Internet Explorer. IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) A unique number consisting of 4 parts separated by dots, eg 165.113.245.2 Every machine that is on the Internet has a unique IP address - if a machine does not have an IP address, it is not really on the Internet. DHCP DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of IP (Internet Protocol) configurations on a computer network. When using the Internet's set of protocols (TCP/IP), in order for a computer system to communicate to another computer system it needs a unique IP address. Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer system. DHCP lets a network administrator supervise and distribute IP addresses from a central point. The purpose of DHCP is to provide the automatic (dynamic) allocation of IP client configurations for a specific time period (called a lease period) and to eliminate the work necessary to administer a large IP network. TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol A protocol for communication between computers, used as a standard for transmitting data over networks and as the basis for standard Internet protocols. Network Adaptor The hardware is used to physically connect your computer to the network CAT5 Cable Category 5 cable, commonly known as Cat 5, is an unshielded twisted pair type cable designed for high signal integrity. The actual standard defines specific electrical properties of the wire, but it is most commonly known as being rated for its Ethernet capability of 100 Mbit/s. Its specific standard designation is EIA/TIA-568. Cat 5 cable typically has three twists per inch of each twisted pair of 24 gauge copper wires within the cable. RJ45 Socket on the Network adapter that the CAT5 cable requires for connection Ethernet Ethernet is the most widely-installed local area network technology. Specified in a standard, IEEE 802.3. An Ethernet LAN typically uses coaxial cable or special grades of twisted pair wires. Devices are connected to the cable. Page 20 of 21
ISP An Internet Service Provider is a business which provides connectivity to the Internet. It provides you with the ability to send and receive Internet e-mail, browse the World Wide Web and download files from Internet servers. Internet Service Providers often offer other Internet-related services such as web-site design and hosting. Page 21 of 21