ResNet Internet Services

Service and Support

SCS provides ResNet service and support to students and staff in the following residence halls: 

• Glen Complex (AT, BT, CT, DT)
• Richmond Hall (RI)
• Newell Hall (NE)
• Prettyman Hall (PR)
• Scarborough Hall (SC)
• Residence Tower (RT)
• Towson Run Apartments (TR)
• Barton House (BA)
• Douglass House (DO)
• Barnes Hall 
• Marshall Hall (MA)

For assistance, contact the SCS Service Desk at 410-704-5151, or visit in person at Cook 35 or Towson Run 123.

SCS also makes service calls to student rooms when problems cannot be resolved otherwise. These calls are arranged through the SCS Service Desk and are conducted by the ResNet Services Coordinator and student assistants.

Apogee (1-855-241-1590 or myresnet.com), not the university, provides Internet and cable television service and support to students in the following residence halls:

• Millennium Hall (MH)
• Tubman House (TH)
• Harris Hall 

Wired network service for residence staff in the three facilities above is provided by the University and supported by the SCS Service Desk. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Basic Connection Issues

Can I connect a device in my room using a network cable?

You can plug most devices into our wired network, with the exception of routers. Most rooms have network (Ethernet) ports. In rooms where there isn’t one port per bed, a switch is provided so you can plug multiple devices into our network.

I cannot find the ResNet switch mounted in my room. Where is it?

Improvements to campus wireless networking services have resulted in much better Wi-Fi coverage and simpler connection procedures throughout the residence halls. Most rooms have at least one available port, but not all rooms have switches for sharing that port among multiple devices. Search the lower third of the wall space throughout your entire room. Be sure to look behind furniture, too. If you still cannot find it, call SCS at 410-704-5151.

Why do I even need the switch? What does it do?

A switch allows multiple computers/devices to connect to a single active wall 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. 

Where can I get a network cable to connect my computer to the switch?

The University Store in the University Union sells network cables, as do many consumer electronics and office supply stores in the Towson area.

Can I access the Internet via Wi-Fi?

You can access the tu-openaccess and tu-secure wireless networks from anywhere on campus, including your room. If you have problems, contact OTS Student Computing Services (SCS) at 410-704-5151.

How can a guest without a TU NetID access the ResNet from my room?

Visitors can use the tu-openaccess network without having to log in.

I am having problems getting the Wi-Fi in my room. Can I set up my own wireless router? 

Students are not permitted to set-up and operate their own wireless routers in the residence halls. Please contact OTS Student Computing Services and we will evaluate your room for possible upgrades.

Hardware and Software Issues

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. Or, you may configure your wireless console to connect to the tu-openaccess network.

Are there devices which I may NOT connect to the ResNet?

Yes. You may not connect a wired or wireless router to the ResNet. 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.

What if my roommates and I have more than four devices to connect to the ResNet?

An additional switch may be connected to the existing 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 the additional switch in these cases. Direct your request to OTS Student Computing Services.

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. Towson University is required to act on any copyright violations brought to our attention.

Other issues

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 conditions that typically indicate 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 block the device and attempt to contact affected users with advice on resolving the problem. Occasionally, OTS receives notification from official sources concerning illegal downloading and sharing of copyrighted media files. In such cases, we are required to take steps to identify the users involved and prevent further infringement.

What happens if I get caught illegally downloading copyrighted music? 

The University regularly receives official complaints from copyright holders reporting violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. In such cases, the University is legally bound to take action against offenders. For more information, consult the TU Copyright Awareness page. We recommend that anyone receiving a violation notice visit OTS Student Computing Services (Cook 35 or Towson Run 123), with their laptop, so we can assist in verifying that no copyrighted materials are being shared. 

Why did a "This domain is blocked" page just open in my browser? 

In 2013, Towson University began using OpenDNS services. Essentially, OpenDNS checks your URLs against a comprehensive database of known malware, phishing and bot-net domains. Also, when the University discovers websites that are designed to steal your NetID and password, we use this service to block them. If your computer tries to connect to one of these high-risk locations, OpenDNS will notify you.