Overview
This document will provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding Ethernet Access in Residence Halls (including University Apartments) on the MSU campus.What do I need to connect to the Internet over Ethernet?
You must have a standard Windows-based PC or Macintosh computer with:
- An installed & configured 10BaseT or 10/100BaseT Ethernet Card with an RJ-45 interface.
- A Category 5, twisted pair RJ-45 ethernet cable. (Not an RJ-45 "cross-over" cable).
- Software for connecting to the Internet (e.g. a web browser)
How do I go about purchasing an Ethernet card for my computer?
If your computer does not already have an ethernet card built-in, you can purchase a 10/100 network card at many local computer dealers. You can also purchase a network card at the MSU Computer Store. The MSU Computer Store is located in room 110 Computer Center and is generally open from 9am-5pm, M-F and can be reached at (517) 432-0700.Where can I get a network card installed in my computer?
Network cards can be installed in your computer from many local computer dealers around town or at MSU Computer Repair in room 120 Computer Center on campus (517) 353-5266. MSU Computer Repair is open from 8am-5pm, Monday thru Friday. There will be a charge for this service.What do I need to do to register my computer on the campus network?
After you have setup your network card correctly open a web browser to http://dhcp.msu.edu. If you need assistance configuring your network card go to http://help.msu.edu/ethernet or call the ATS Help Desk at (517) 432-6200.What do I do if I can't get my connection to work in my residence hall room?
Call the ATS Help Desk at (517) 432-6200 for assistance. Additional information is available at http://help.msu.edu/etr/. Consultants can diagnose most problems over the phone but if it is determined that there is a problem with the connection jack in your room a technician may be dispatched for repair.I live in a wired residence hall on campus. Am I required to use Ethernet on my computer?
No, you are not required to use the Ethernet network in your residence hall to connect to the Internet, nor the campus network.How fast should my internet connection be?
Residence Halls and University Apartments should be getting speeds between 7-8Mb. Spartan Village cable modem users may receive slower speeds. Go to this site to check your speed.I believe I know of someone violating MSU's Statement of Acceptable Use; what do I do?
Email your information to abuse@msu.edu. Information about MSU's Statement of Acceptable Use is available at http://www.msu.edu/au.Can I use a switch, hub or a router to hook up multiple computers to my residence hall connection?
You may use a switch, hub or a router in any residence hall (including University Apartments) to hook up more than one computer to your connection, as long as it does not interfere with the MSU network or otherwise violate MSU's Statement of Acceptable Use.Note that that if the router, hub, or switch is improperly connected and interfering with the campus network, you may lose your network access. Please contact the product's manufacturer for support with these devices.
In the case of a switch or a hub, you will need to register each computer through http://dhcp.msu.edu.
In the case of a router, you will only need to register at http://dhcp.msu.edu once from any of the computers that are connected to the router. Be advised, however, that the person who registers the connection over DHCP will be liable for the activities of any computer or system connected to that router.
Techbase article 8884 includes information on the proper way to set up your wireless router for use within MSU Residence Halls (including University Apartments). If the instructions in that article do not work for you, Help Desk staff will ask you to remove the router from the network and connect your computer directly to the wall port (or in the case of some Spartan Village users, to the cable modem). Contact the manufacturer of your wireless router for technical assistance with that device.
Can I connect a Playstation, Xbox or other gaming system to my network port?
The use of gaming systems is not expressly prohibited on the residence hall network but MSU does not provide support or troubleshooting for their use. Generally, game systems will not function correctly if directly connected to a room's network port. However, many users have found that connecting a game system to a properly configured router will allow the system to function.Note: if you use a router you are responsible for any network activity that is generated through the router. If one of the systems you connect to the router misbehaves or causes network disruption your connection could be terminated.
Other popular information sources at MSU
- Admissions FAQ (Admissions can also be reached via email at admis@msu.edu)
- Office of the Registrar FAQ (The Registrar's office can also be reached via email at reg@msu.edu)
- Academic Computing and Network Services Help Desk FAQ
- Other frequently asked questions at MSU (Print Services, MSUnet Wireless, AFS, etc)
