General Information

Most network (Ethernet) ports around campus and all of the network ports in the residence halls are active. All you have to do is configure your computer's Ethernet networking to DHCP. If you connect via wireless (or WiFi, the 802.11b or g standard), you will configure your computer's wireless networking to DHCP and choose the "ANY" wireless network. We have implemented a wireless network infrastructure that will support wireless network connectivity at locations in most buildings on campus.

Look for these signs for access to our wireless network! (802.11b or 802.11g wireless capabilities needed.) Map of wireless areas Updated August 2008

Next are simple instructions on configuring your computer for DHCP. When you change a setting on your computer, you should write down your old settings so you can go back to them when you get back home. If you know how to setup a new location in Macintosh OS 10.x or how to setup a new profile on a Windows computer, this may help to preserve your previous settings.

Once you have configured your machine for DHCP, see the end of this document for information on protecting your machine and getting on the network.

Configuring for Macintosh OS X 10.5.x

1. Turn on and login to your Mac. Make sure the Ethernet cable is plugged into the wall port and into your computer.

2. Go to the Apple Menu and select System Preferences. In the Internet and Network pane, click on the Network icon.

3. Location should be set to Automatic. Highlight Ethernet 1 and select the Configure drop-down menu.

4. Select Using DHCP.

5. Click the Apply button.

 

Configuring for Macintosh OS X (versions earlier than OSX 10.5.x)

1. Turn on and login to your Mac OS X computer. Make sure the Ethernet cable is plugged into the wall port and into your computer.

2. Go to the Apple Menu, select System Preferences. Click on the Network Pane.

3. Go to the upper configure menu (it will probably say internal modem). Select Built-in Ethernet.

4. In the TCP/IP tab of the Network pane, select Using DHCP under the configure menu.

5. Your window should now look similar to this one except the IP address and Ethernet Address will be different.

 

6. Click on the Save Button. You may need to grab the window and move it up, since the save button might be under the dock. It will be visible through the buttons of the dock, but unclickable. Just move it up and click Save.

 

Configuring Mac OS X (10.5.x) for Wireless

1. Turn on and login to your Mac.

2. Go to the Apple Menu, select System Preferences. In the Internet and Network pane, click on the Network icon.

3. Highlight Aiport.

4. For Network NAme, select ANY.

5. Click Apply.

Configuring Mac OS X (versions earlier than 10.5.x) for Wireless

1. Turn on your computer and login to your Mac.

2. Go to the Apple Menu, select System Preferences. Click on the Network Pane.

3. Go to the upper configure menu (it will probably say internal modem). Select Airport.

4. In the TCP/IP tab of the Network pane, select Using DHCP under the configure menu.

5. Your window should now look similar to this one except the IP address and Ethernet Address will be different.

6. Click on the Save Button. You may need to grab the window and move it up, since the save button might be under the dock. It will be visible through the buttons of the dock, but unclickable. Just move it up and click Save.

7. (This step for Mac OS 10.2.x only) Now in System Preferences Find and click on the Sharing Pane and the Internet Tab.

8. Uncheck both of the Share... check boxes as shown above.

 

Configuring Windows

Step 1: Getting Started Before you can configure your system, you must have an Ethernet card or interface physically installed. (Most new computers come with Ethernet built-in.) If you're not sure that you have Ethernet installed, do the following: In the Start menu, choose "Control Panel" (may be under a menu called "Settings.") Double-click on the "System" control panel, and then click on the "Hardware" tab at the top. Choose "Device Manager." You should see a list of components similar to the one at right. Under the category "Network adapters" you will find your Ethernet card, if you have one. Make sure your Ethernet cable is firmly plugged into both your computer and the wall port before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Connecting to the Internet 1. Go to the Start Menu, Settings, then to Control Panel. 2. Double click on the Network control panel. 3. In some versions of Windows, double click on Local Area Connection… Click on Properties. (If you don’t see a Local Area Connection, you will need to create a new one using the Make New Connection program. 4. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) component for your ethernet network card (you may need to scroll down to find it) Click Properties. 5. Make sure to choose Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.

Step 3: Using the Connection If prompted to restart your computer, do so.

Configuring Windows for Wireless Access

Step 1: Getting Started Before you can configure your system, you must have a wireless card physically installed. If you're not sure that you have wireless installed, do the following: In the Start menu, choose "Control Panel" (may be under a menu called "Settings.") Double-click on the "System" control panel, and then click on the "Hardware" tab at the top. Choose "Device Manager." You should see a list of components similar to the one at right. Under the category "Network adapters" you will find your wireless card, if you have one. Make sure you are in an area with wireless access. Check the online map if necessary.
Step 2: Choosing the Wireless Card 1. You may be able to Click on the Start Menu Button and choose "Connect to" Wireless Network Connection. Otherwise, 1. Go to the Start Menu, Settings then to Control Panel. 2. Double click on the Network control panel. 3. In some versions of Windows, double click on Local Area Connection… Click on Properties. (If you don’t see a Local Area Connection, you will need to create a new one using the Make New Connection program. 4. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) component for your wireless network card (you may need to scroll down to find it) Click Properties. 5. Make sure to choose Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. 6. Your wireless card must join the wireless network called "ANY". There may be a Network Name property for the wireless card or you may be able to configure your wireless card via an icon on the System tray.
Step 3: Using the Connection Reboot your machine. Also, make sure you are in an area with wireless access.

Final Steps for Connecting to the Oberlin Network

1. Install or Update your Virus Protection software (available for download from the CIT Software Downloads web pages with your ObieID username and password).
2. Scan for Viruses.
3. Patch the Operating System and perform all Updates.
4. From your computer in your room, lounge, wireless, or network port anywhere on campus, open a web browser, and authenticate with your ObieID username and password if you are an Oberlin student, faculty or staff. (Guests will first need to obtain a "sponsored account" from an Oberlin account holder. Details on sponsored accounts are available online.)
5. Follow any additional instructions you receive. If your machine has a problem, you will have about 20 minutes before you have to authenticate again (in other words, your machine does will not have full access until you follow the additional instructions your receive) If you have questions, please send a message to: cit@oberlin.edu

* 1. New students need to know their new ObieID username and password before this will work. 2. Returning students passwords cannot be expired when trying to authenticate. (See the CIT Helpdesk in Mudd 005 or the Technology Services Center in the Academic Commons in Mudd to get help in resetting your password.)

If this online information was not enough:

1. Get help with Resnet by going to http://helpdesk.oberlin.edu/request.html (Enter an e-mail address where you can be reached and enter your problem or question (with as much information as possible), OR

2. Send an e-mail message to cit@oberlin.edu.

This page last updated: August 21 , 2007