Step 1 - Get Plugged In
This is a connection guide to help get your computer connected to the campus network. Our network is designed to allow the majority of personal computers to just plug in. This CD contains basic first steps, instructions, and limited tools that are commonly used by HelpDesk staff to address minor connection problems. If you are having problems, please work your way through these steps.
This guide assumes that you have already attempted to plug your network cable into your computer and into the provided network jack in your room. This is sometimes called an Ethernet cable, CAT5 cable, or 10/100E cable. The plug looks similar to a phone cord's plug, but is slightly larger. SPU provides one active Ethernet jack per person, per room. We do test all connections so please make sure you are connected to the correct jack.
You do not need to complete everything on this CD for the computer to connect. At any point during these steps, if you network cable is plugged in, try to open a web browser and see if our online systems allow you to proceed. Many of these instructions and tools are available through our HelpDesk website once you are online.
How To
A. Plug in! B. Open a web page to fresh content (any web page that is updated frequently). You should be redirected to our Cisco Clean Access (CCA) log in page. C. See Step2.
Common Problems
Network cable is bad - This is the most common problem we have found. Please trying using a known good cable, such as the one your room mate is using to connect their computer.
Wrong Cord - The other very common problem users encounter is attempting to use an RJ-11 phone cord to connect to the ethernet network. Please make sure you are using a CAT-5 cable with 8 wires visible in the plug.
Working Offline - If you are plugged in but receive "working offline" or "no network connection found" error messages, please verify where the problem is - Assuming your room mates computer is working online - If your room mate's computer and cable work in your jack, but yours does not work in their jack, the problem is likely with your computer, not the network jack.
Sluggish Web Browser - Computer will not open web browser, web browser times out, computer is very sluggish when online - you may have more serious computer problems. See Help above.
DHCP Not Enabled - Go to the Start Menu - > Settings -> Control Panel -> Network Connections and double-click on Local Area Connection . Click Properties. Double-click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (or highlight TCP/IP and click properties). On the General tab click Obtain an IP address Automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. Click OK to close the TCP/IP Properties window, then OK to close the Local Area Connection control panel. Restart your computer
If you computer is configured for another network, such as a business or manually configured home network please contact the network administrator of that network for further assistance.
