Here are the answers
to ResNet questions frequently asked of Student Computing Services
(SCS). The links immediately below represent broad categories. Within each category, simply click the question to display
the answer. If you seek an answer to a question not included here, contact
SCS by email or telephone (410-704-5151). For Cisco NAC, OTS
maintains a separate FAQ page (linked below). If you reside in Millennium
Hall, Paca House or Tubman House, contact NTC Communications
(1-888-201-8420) instead of SCS.
Basic Connection Issues
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I cannot find the ResNet switch mounted in my room.
Where is it?
If your room is a single, it will not contain a switch; you can plug your
computer directly into the wall port. Otherwise, the switch should be there.
Search the lower third of the wall space throughout your entire room. Be sure to
look behind furniture, too. If you still can not find it, call SCS at
410-704-5151.
Why do I even need the switch? What does it do?
Each room has two Ethernet ports built into the wall. Only the top port of the
two is active. The LinkSys switch allows multiple computers/devices to connect
to this single active port without affecting network speed. The lights on the
switch indicate that it is getting power and that it is active on the network.
Does the switch in my room require any special care or maintenance?
Not really. Just be sure it remains plugged into the nearby electrical outlet and take care not to damage it when moving furniture or living actively.
Never use a different AC adapter to connect your switch to the electrical
outlet. If you physically damage your switch, you will be charged (roughly $60)
for a replacement.
Where can I get a network cable to connect my computer
to the LinkSys switch?
During the move-in period, complimentary 35 foot cables will be available at
Residence Community Centers; after move-in, they will be available at SCS in
Cook Library, Room 35.
Will I need to change my computer settings to connect
to the Internet?
Your default settings will probably suffice. However, if you follow the steps in
the ResNet Connection & Reference Guide and still can not connect, you may have
to adjust your network settings.
Can I avoid using Cisco NAC?
No, it is crucial that every ResNetter connect with a clean computer. We understand
that a few users may regard Cisco NAC as intrusive or inconvenient, but for
the vast majority of users who value network reliability and the security of
their own computers, Cisco NAC is a no brainer. It only takes one computer
infected and connected to threaten ResNet performance and individual security.
How can a guest without a Towson NetID access the
ResNet from my room?
As a NetID holder, you can create a temporary account for your guest to use. To
learn how, open the
Guest Network
Access page and click
How to sponsor an account.
Can I access the Internet via Wi-Fi?
You can access the tu-guest and tu-secure wireless networks from anywhere on campus
using your NetID. Please note that students are
not permitted to set-up and operate their own wireless routers in the residence
halls.
Hardware and Software Issues
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Which anti virus applications may I use?
To verify antivirus protection,
Cisco NAC searches your computer for one of the following: McAfee VirusScan, Norton AntiVirus
(Symantec), AVG Anti-Virus, or avast! The later two are available in free
versions. Visit the OTS Cisco NAC Page (
www.towson.edu/cleanaccess)
for links and updates.
Will I need special browser software to connect to the
Internet?
You will not need special
browser software; Internet Explorer or FireFox will do
just fine. Windows and Mac users
will however need to install and run the
Cisco
NAC
Agent as described in the
ResNet Connection & Reference Guide.
My computer uses a Linux operating system; can I connect
it to the ResNet?
Yes, you can. Cisco NAC is compatible with Linux-based computers,
however there is not yet a Cisco NAC Agent available for Linux. Consequently,
after you log into the Cisco NAC system each week, it will simply pass you
along to your requested web page without scanning your system.
How can I connect a game console
to the ResNet?
You may simply plug your game console
directly into the ResNet. The server will automatically recognize and adapt to
your device.
Are there devices which I MAY NOT connect to the ResNet?
Yes. You may not connect a wired or wireless router to the ResNet.
Further, OTS reserves the right to review other devices on a case-by-case basis
to insure that they do not cause problems on the ResNet.
How do I connect my Tivo to the
ResNet?
There is no Cisco NAC Agent for Tivo. To allow your Tivo device to attach to
the network, you need to contact SCS at 410-704-5151.
To locate the MAC
(hardware) address of your TiVo: go to TiVo Central> Messages & Settings>
Settings> Phone & Network. The MAC address should be on the right-hand side of
the Phone & Network screen, towards the top. If you do not see a MAC address
listed (or you do not see the MAC address field at all), the DVR is not
recognizing the network adapter that you have installed. The adapter is either
not compatible, not functioning properly, or not properly connected.
What if my roommates and I have more than four devices we want to connect to the ResNet?
An additional switch may be connected to the switch mounted to your wall in
order to increase the number of available ports; however, it is a good idea to
use the same type of switch. The university will provide a second switch under
these circumstances. Direct your request to
Student Computing Services (SCS).
Will the use of file sharing programs interfere with my ResNet connection?
You bet they will! We strongly discourage the use of peer-to-peer file
sharing programs. They represent the surest way to admit viruses, spyware, and
adware to your computer; and, you do not want to go there. Examples of such
programs include Kazaa, Bit Torrent, LimeWire, BearShare, ect.
Other Issues
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Is my network activity being tracked while I am
connected to the ResNet?
Not per se. As you might expect, OTS keeps an eye out for unusual bandwidth
usage or conditions that might be related to malware attacks or illegal access.
When such conditions arise, we do take a closer look in an effort to understand
the causes and protect other users on the ResNet. If we identify a particular
computer or floor as the source of a problem, we will contact affected users
with advice on resolving the problem.
Occasionally, OTS
receives notification from RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)
concerning illegal downloading and sharing of copyrighted media files. In such
cases, we take steps to identify the users involved and prevent further
infringement. For additional information, see the SCS flier
Keep The Beat Aboveboard.
For more information
about what Cisco NAC does and does not do, check-out the Cisco NAC page at
www.towson.edu/cleanaccess.
Does Towson University manage (throttle) any types of
ResNet traffic?
Yes. To prevent the few from adversely affecting ResNet performance for the
many, students are subject to a daily bandwidth limit.
I have received a DMCA download violation notice from
TU. What do I need to do next?
If you have received a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) peer-to-peer
(P2P) or download violation notice from TU, you should follow the instructions
in the letter your received and contact the appropriate TU official. Click Policies on ResNet
Use in the leftward navigation bar for more information.