Overview
You may use a wireless router in MSU Residence Halls (including University Apartments) to connect more than one computer to your internet connection, as long as it does not interfere with the MSU network or otherwise violate MSU's Statement of Acceptable Use.Although the ATS Help Desk cannot provide assistance in configuring a wireless router for use in your residence hall room, we have recommendations for their proper usage. If you do decide to purchase and use a wireless router, you should be aware of the issues and responsibilities that you assume when you use one on campus.
If the instructions below do not allow you to connect your router to the Internet, please contact the router's manufacturer for technical assistance with setup, configuration, and other support issues with the device. If you call the Help Desk for help with connecting to the Internet, a staff member will ask you to disconnect your router and connect directly to the MSU network so that we can diagnose the issue you are having.
Understand your responsibilities when connecting to the campus network
Although you may use a router to connect your computers to the MSU network, if the device is improperly connected and interferes with the campus network, you may lose your network access, per the Statement of Acceptable Use.You will only need to register each computer that is connected to the router, once. Be advised, however, that the person who registers the connection over DHCP will be liable for the activities of any system connected to that router.
Become knowledgeable about wireless security options
If you do not properly setup your wireless router you can encounter many problems using it on the campus network.The default configuration of your wireless router is unsecure. If you do not properly secure it, your data can be intercepted and read over an unencrypted wireless connection. This can expose your personal data and cause you to be responsible for unauthorized use of the network that occurs through your wireless router.
If someone, for instance, connects to your unsecure wireless router and illegally shares files on the network, your connection will be the one that is registered and deemed responsible for the offense. More information about what can happen to you if you are illegally sharing files at MSU can be found at TB1053.
Understanding wireless security and securing your system is critical! The user's guide of your wireless router will contain important information regarding the proper configuration of the router; you can also contact the manufacturer's technical support desk for further assistance. One wireless router manufacturer, D-Link, offers an overview of wireless security issues in this video.
Purchase options
If you decide to setup and use wireless in your residence hall you should purchase a wireless router (not an access point). Since most current wireless routers are cross-compatible with various operating systems, choose the router that has the features and price that works best for you.Step 1: Register your computer first (without connecting to the wireless router)
Before you attempt to setup a wireless router you should first make sure you can successfully connect and register your computer on the campus network directly.Plug your computer directly into the network jack and register it with dhcp.
Step 2: Follow manufacturer instructions to setup and secure your router
The user's guide or quick start guide of your wireless router should contain the basic information to setup your router. If you have any problems with this step, you should contact the manufacturer of your wireless router for assistance.Before you plug your wireless router into the campus network, make sure to follow the instructions of the user's guide of your wireless router to perform the following functions.
Change the default user name and password of your wireless router
Your wireless router ships with a default user name and password. If you do not change them, anyone can easily access your router, change all of the settings, and/or hack into your network.
Change the SSID name of your wireless router
The SSID is how the device will appear to others looking for available wireless connections. It is a good idea to set this name to contain the room number and building of your router to avoid confusion with others in your location that may also be setting up a wireless router (for example, you can name your SSID "100 North Sparty Complex").
Set the security for your wireless router
It is critical that you make your wireless connection a secure one. If you do not, others can use your connection and any actions they perform (like illegal file sharing) will appear to be performed by you.
Instructions and advice for security settings for your wireless router are available in your installation manual (generally on your installation cd). Security methods include WEP, WPA and restricting by network (MAC) address.
Step 3: Plug the wireless router into the campus network (critical step)
After you have setup the security and SSID for your wireless router you can plug it into the network jack.There are two types of connections on your wireless router. One type plugs into the campus network and the other plugs into your computer(s). The connection for the network jack in your room is generally separated from the other 4 or 5 connections and is sometimes labeled WAN. After it is plugged into the network jack, wait for a few minutes and then open a web browser.
This is a critical step that is often done incorrectly! Connecting the wrong cables to the wrong ports on your router can cause the router to interfere with the campus network, putting you at risk of losing your network connection privileges until the problem is resolved. If you do not understand the correct ports in which to plug your cables to and from the wall jack and your computer, contact your router's manufacturer for technical support.
Step 4: Register the wireless router on the network
Open your web browser and it should be automatically directed to a DHCP registration page. Complete the DHCP registration process to register your wireless router on the campus network. Note: Because your PC is now plugged directly into your wireless router, entering your registration at this point will register the router on the campus network.For location, enter the location of your router (room number and building) and for description, enter the brand name and basic description of your wireless router.
Step 5: Restart the wireless router and refresh your browser
After you have successfully registered the wireless router you should restart the wireless router so it can obtain a new address on the campus network. This can be done by removing the power cord for for 30 seconds. Once you plug the power cord back in it may take a few minutes for the router to be ready for use after restarting.Close your web browser and reopen it a few minutes after you have powered your wireless router back on.
At this point you should be able to visit an off-campus website to confirm that you have completed the previous steps correctly. If there are any problems, repeat the previous steps and/or contact the manufacturer of your wireless router.
Step 6: Disconnect the computer cable from the wireless router and attempt to connect wirelessly
Disconnect the ethernet cable from your wireless router, restart the computer, and then follow the instructions of the manufacturer of your wireless router to connect to your wireless router over a wireless connection.
