Frequently Asked Questions

1. Getting Set Up
   1. Where can I get instructions on how to get connected to the network?
   2. Where can I purchase Ethernet cards and network cables?
      
   3. What kind of cable do I need to connect to the network?
      
   4. What kind of network card do I need to connect to the network?
   5. There are more residents assigned to my room than there are available Ethernet ports. How can everyone connect to the Internet?
   6. I just changed dorm rooms. What do I need to do to set up my connection to the Rutgers network?
   7. Can I use more than one networked device in my room?
   8. How do I set up my console gaming system on the network?
   9. Can I use wireless networking in my dorm? Can I set up my own wireless access point?
         J.  I got a new computer/router. What do I need to do to get connected?
2. Bandwidth and Traffic
   1. The ResNet Network Rules to which I agreed mentions a bandwidth limit. What is "bandwidth"?
   2. Why is there a bandwidth limit?
   3. What traffic counts against my bandwidth limits?
   4. What is the "sliding window" policy?
   5. I installed [a program] on my computer and it made me upload a lot of stuff and pushed me over the bandwidth limit. It wasn't my fault. Can I get my Internet connection turned back on?
   
   
3. Access to Services
   1. What programs can I run on my computer?
   2. What Web sites on the Internet am I not allowed to visit?
   3. Am I allowed to use my computer to run my own services?
   4. Why can't I access a non-Rutgers internet service? My friend outside the network can access it.
   5. What can I do if I can't connect to a service I've used before from home?
      
   6. Why am I having trouble connecting to AOL Instant Messenger?
   7. Can ResNet please allow the port forwarding so I can [use a particular program]?
   
   
4. Virus/Spyware Problems
   
   1. My computer is infected with a virus. Why was my network connection shut off?
   2. Where can I get anti-virus software?
   3. My computer is infected with a virus. Do I have to install McAfee? I am using [another antivirus program] instead.
   4. Why does my web browser sometimes go to alternate sites by itself? Why is my homepage a different site that what I selected for it?
   5. Why does my internet seem slower than it used? Why does my computer seem like it is slower than it used to be?
   6. Why do I get popups when my computer is not attended?

1. SETUP 

A. Where can I get instructions on how to get connected to the network?

An electronic version (PDF file) of the Student Guide to Computing Services can be found here.

B. Where can I purchase Ethernet cards and networking cables?

Ethernet cards and cables are available to New Brunswick students at Computer Repair on Livingston campus, the Student Co-op on Cook Campus, or the Busch Campus Center Convenience Store.

If you are a Camden student, any local electronics store in the area will carry Ethernet cables and network cards for your PC or laptop.  You can also call The University District Bookstore in Camden at 856-968-1200 to see what network cables/network cards they have in stock.

Newark will sell ethernet cables over move-in weekend (see SWAT schedule).  Ethernet cards will not be provided.

C. What kind of cable do I need to connect to the network?

You will need to purchase a "straight through" Ethernet cable that meets or exceeds Ethernet Category 5 specifications. Be careful so you do not purchase a "crossover" cable. Though room size, layout, and jack location may vary across residence halls, the cable you select must be long enough to reach from your computer to an available Ethernet port.

ResNet does not provide networking cables for dorm residents. 

D. What kind of network card do I need to connect to the network?

The following is a list of supported network card brands that we recommend:

• Linksys
• 3Com
• Netgear 210, 310, 410
• D-Link
• Intel

• Realtek
• Netgear 311 and 312

E. There are more residents assigned to my room than there are available Ethernet ports. How can everyone connect to the Internet?

In most cases, there is one Ethernet port available to each person residing in each room, i.e. singles have one port per room, doubles have two ports per room, etc. In rare cases, two or more students are placed in a room originally designed to house only one student. New Brunswick students facing this scenario may contact the Help Desk (732-445-HELP) to request a mini-hub. This is a device which permits multiple students to share one Ethernet port.

Camden students should contact the Help Desk at help@camden.rutgers.edu or 856-225-6274 and a mini-hub will be signed out to you and your roommates.

Newark students may visit the Newark Help Desk and sign out a mini-hub.

F. I just changed dorm rooms. What do I need to do to set up my connection to the Rutgers network?  

If you recently changed rooms, you should connect to the Rutgers network as before. Plug one end of your Ethernet cord into the wall’s data jack and the other into your computer or router. If you are in the same residence hall or apartment, try navigating to several external pages such as http://www.google.com or http://www.yahoo.com. If these pages successfully load, you will not need to update your registration and can continue to use your active connection. If you live in a different residence hall or apartment, or cannot reach external sites, we will need to modify your registration. Please call your respective computing help desk.

G. Can I use more than one networked device in my room?

ResNet provides one IP address to each resident, which is sufficient to register one device, e.g., a desktop comptuer, laptop computer, or video game system. To utilize more than one network device, residents must supply and utilize a router. Because of the variety of hardware available, ResNet provides limited support for personal routers (wired or wireless). If you need assistance setting up or troubleshooting your router, please consult the manufacturer's documentation.  If you choose to use a router, each device connected to it (wired or wireless) will contribute to the overall upload and download quotas of the student who registered the router. You are responsible for all network traffic associated with your IP address.

H. How do I set up my console gaming system on the network?

Only consoles that have built-in internet browser (Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii) can be directly registered on the Rutgers residential network; the registration process is the same as it is for a personal computer. Connecting a Xbox 360 to the Rutgers network requires use of a personal router, as it can not complete the registration process.

After the console is set for DHCP, you need to navigate to resnet.rutgers.edu and click on the 'Register your computer now' link. For instructions on how to set DHCP on a gaming console, please reference the manufacturer's documentation.

Please note that there can only be one device registered to the network per NetID - this means that if a student wishes to connect both a computer and a gaming console, they will need to register a router and then connect both devices to the router. If you already have a device registered, you can contact you local helpdesk to update your registration.

I. Can I use wireless networking in my dorm? Can I set up my own wireless access point?

J. I got a new computer/router. What do I need to do to get connected?

In order to use your new device, we will need to update your registration in our system.  To facilitate this, you will need to provide the MAC (physical) address of the new hardware, connect the hardware to the Ethernet port in your room, and contact us by phone or email to complete the process.

To find your MAC address, please follow the following steps:

If you are using a router with windows:
1) Make sure you are the only one connected to your router.
2) Press windows key+r to open the Run window
3) Type “cmd” without quotations into the window and press enter.
4) In the new Command line window that appears, type arp –a
5) In the Physical Address column, you will find your router’s MAC address.

If you have Windows and are not using a router:
1) Press windows key+r to open the Run window
2) Type “cmd” without quotations into the window and press enter.
3) In the new Command line window that appears, type ipconfig/all
4) Under the category “Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection,” find Physical Address.
    This is your MAC address.

If you are using a router with a Mac:
1) Click the apple at the top-left of the screen
2) Choose System Preferences
3) Open Network
4) In the new Network window, select your router on the left.
5) At the bottom right of the window, open Advanced…
6) Go to the last tab, called “Ethernet”
7) The Ethernet ID is your router’s MAC Address.


If you are using a Mac and are not using a router:
1) Click the apple at the top-left of the screen
2) Choose System Preferences
3) Open Network
4) In the new Network window, select Built-in Ethernet.
5) At the bottom right of the window, open Advanced…
6) Go to the last tab called “Ethernet”
7) The Ethernet ID is your MAC Address.

A. The ResNet Network Rules to which I agreed mentions a bandwidth limit. What is "bandwidth"?

B. Why is there a bandwidth limit?

The limit ensures that there is always enough bandwidth for everyone to share. Dorm users account for approximately 15% of the computer population at the University. That 15% is responsible for about 50% of the University's total traffic, even with the bandwidth limits in place. If there were no limits, not only would the University have no bandwidth for anything else, but dorm connections would also slow to a crawl. 

C. What traffic counts against my bandwidth limits?

The bandwidth limits only apply to traffic that is sent to or received from the "outside world." Generally speaking, that means you can access any Rutgers site as much as you want provided its Internet address ends in .rutgers.edu. Using any service with an address that does not have .rutgers.edu in it for web browsing, file transfers, video conferencing, VoIP (Voice over IP), or any other reason will count against your weekly limits. (Please see the Network Rules page for a list of things we recommend against because of bandwidth.) Using the RUiptv (http://rutv.rutgers.edu/online.shtml) does not count against your bandwidth totals because the service is internal to the University.

D. What is the "sliding window" policy?

Even when you have been restricted, the system will continue to evaluate your traffic for the last seven days. If, after being off the network for an additional day, your total traffic for the last seven days is now under the bandwidth limitation, your IP will become unrestricted. The change in policy was to give additional consideration for people that do moderate traffic and have only small violations.

E. I installed a program on my computer and it made me upload a lot of stuff and pushed me over the bandwidth limit. It wasn't my fault. Can I get my Internet connection turned back on?  

ResNet does not restrict you from installing or running any programs on your computer, as long as you abide by the OIT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). However, we do have restrictions on how much traffic your computer generates. As outlined in the AUP, using programs that result in exceeding your 7-day bandwidth limit (4096MB downloading and 2048MB uploading) are your responsibility.

Make sure you read the instructions for any programs you install and look for indications that they will do things you don't intend them to do. For example, some programs continue to send or receive material when you minimize the window, or continue to run after they appear to have been disabled. Many of these programs can upload or download even if you're not in front of the computer. Programs that may result in large amounts of unexpected network use can include:

• Limewire
• Kazaa
• Morpheus
• Direct Connect
• Netmeeting
• AOL Instant Messenger(file transfers)

ResNet does not support any of those programs. The only way to guarantee you will not exceed the bandwidth use limitation policy is to remove those programs from your computer. You can monitor your network use with the ResNet Network Utilization tool.

3.

ACCESS

A. What programs can I run on my computer?

The OIT Acceptable Use Policy clearly states that all users on the network are entitled to an expectation of privacy. As such, ResNet does not restrict or monitor what programs you install and use, as long as you abide by the rules set forth in the AUP. 

B. What Web sites on the Internet am I not allowed to visit?  

ResNet does not restrict nor monitor any sites on the Internet you choose to visit, as long as you abide by the rules as explained in the OIT Acceptable Use Policy.

C. Am I allowed to use my computer to run my own services?

The ResNet Network Rules prohibit the use of a computer in a dorm residence for several purposes, among them being:

• FTP servers that contain copyrighted material (Software, MP3 Files, etc.)
• E-mail servers
• Any service that has the intent of commercial use, such as a web site that is being used for profit
• Any program designed to scan for, seek out, or exploit network or host vulnerabilities
• Any services that attempt to allow access to private space addresses to the outside world, such as proxy servers
• DHCP servers
• Any other services that violate the AUP

Be aware that ResNet does have the ability to monitor your activity. A report that your computer is in violation of the ResNet Network Rules or the OIT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) may result in ResNet's use of network activity logs to verify those claims. 

D. Why can't I access a non-Rutgers Internet service that my friend outside the network can visit?

ResNet does not currently block any access to outside services. If you are having difficulty connecting to a particular service, it may be a limitation of the Rutgers "private space addressing".

Each residence hall appears to be one IP address to the Internet. If anyone tries to connect to that address, the network does not know which computer the intended host is trying to connect to, so it simply gives up. Services that connect from your computer to the outside world usually work; while services that try to connect from the outside to your computer frequently fail. While that may appear to be an unreasonable restriction, it does in fact help protect your computer from "hackers," and other attacks from outside of the Rutgers network.

Some programs are able to work by requesting a "reverse dns lookup", meaning your computer tries to contact a service, and then that service needs to connect back to you in order to work. As before, the request gets lost inbound and therefore a connection cannot be established. Many file sharing programs and online games have this limitation.

In addition, many online game servers also allow only one connection per IP at a time. Since each Rutgers residence hall appears to the outside world as one IP, you may be denied access to such a service if someone else in your residence hall logs on to that service first.

E. When I am home, I can connect to [service], but when I am at school, I cannot.  What should I do?

• If you are trying to have someone from the outside connect to your computer, try connecting to their computer instead.
• Contact the administrator of the service in which you are trying to connect and ask if they have had similar problems with "private IP space" in the past. You may also be able to find documentation on the service's web site.

Please be aware that ResNet does not support connections to commercial services. 

F. Why am I having trouble connecting to AOL Instant Messenger?

AOL Instant Messenger only accepts a certain number of connection attempts per computer for any given amount of time. Because all computers in a given residence hall have the same IP address to the outside world, AOL thinks that many people trying to sign on at once from the residence halls are really one person trying to sign many times in a short time span. Therefore, if too many people try to connect at once, the AOL server disallows access for a brief period of time. 

G. Does ResNet allow the port forwarding so I can use a particular program?  

ResNet will not enable port forwarding. If you absolutely require a public space IP for a particular service, we recommend that visit one of your local Campus Computing Facilities.

4. VIRUS/SPYWARE

A. My computer is infected with a virus. Why was my network connection shut off?

The OIT Acceptable Use Policy states that ResNet has the right to remove from the network any machines which are deemed a threat. Many viruses, "worms," and "Trojan horses" are designed to infect other computers they can find on the network. Computers identified as being infected with a virus will be disconnected from the network to protect others' computers from becoming infected. Please consider this as a protective measure and not as disciplinary action against you. 

B. Where can I get anti-virus software?

A full version of Rutgers University Antivirus Delivery Service (RADS) is available at no charge to Rutgers users from the University Software Website. You can access this web site even if you have not yet registered your computer.

You may also obtain a copy of the software on a CD from any of the Campus Computing Facilities or from your local HelpDesk. 

C. My computer is infected with a virus. Do I have to install RADS? I am using [another antivirus program] instead.

You are allowed to use any antivirus software you wish to keep your computer virus-free. Once your computer is disconnected due to a virus infection, you must either update your existing anti-virus software, or install the anti-virus software that Rutgers provides and eliminate the problem before your network connection is restored. You may also choose to re-image or re-format your hard drive to remove computer viruses or worm

D. Why does my web browser sometimes go to sites that I do not want it to go to?

You may have any of a variety of programs running invisibly. To remedy this situation, it is necessary to scan your computer for malicious software that may have been installed without your knowledge. We recommend programs such as are Lavasoft Ad-Aware and SpyBot S&D to protect your machines from spyware.

E. Why does my internet/computer seem slower than normal?

Since spyware runs in the background of an operating system, it will still use some system resources. If a computer has enough spyware on it, there may be a noticeable slowdown in Internet speed, general computing speed, or both. Programs such as Lavasoft Ad-Aware or Spybot S&D can be used to help address this problem.

Popups are most commonly seen when surfing the web, but may also occur even when you are not at your computer. Pop-ups are typically caused by adware. Adware differs from spyware in the fact that adware is software that may have been installed on your computer by a remote site. Many free utilities that you download from the Internet will install hidden software that sends details of the websites you visit and other information from your computer (which can include your email address) to advertisers so they can target you with popup ads and spam.

The easiest way to make sure your computer is clean from adware is to use Lavasoft Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D.

For any other questions, please contact your local HelpDesk.