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. 

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.   

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.   

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.   

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.

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.

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.  

You may simply plug your game console directly into the ResNet. The server will automatically recognize and adapt to your device.

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.

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.

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).

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. 

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.

Yes. To prevent the few from adversely affecting ResNet performance for the many, students are subject to a daily bandwidth limit.  

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.
  

As of Summer 2013, Towson University began using OpenDNS services. You can read a detailed description at Complete OpenDNS Announcement, but essentially OpenDNS checks your URLs against a comprehensive database of know malware, phising, and bot-net domains. If your computer tries to connect to one of these high-risk locations, OpenDNS will notify you.