Wireless devices, Routers, and Switches cause problems in the Residence Halls
January 4, 2007 11:38 am | Author: Stephen McMillin | Filed Under Internet and Wireless, Policies and Procedures |Residence Hall Internet connections are limited. Some students have tried to get around this by adding their own routers, switches, or wireless Internet sharing devices. These devices are not allowed by our Acceptable Use Policy.
Internet routers, gateways, and switches, whether they are wireless or not, will create problems with our MSSU network.
These devices are designed to build a network within a home to share an Internet connection. When they are added to an already established network like ours, conflicts occur that create problems for everyone else on the network. Internet traffic on our network must flow in predetermined patterns to achieve the best performance for everyone. Routers and gateway devices disrupt this flow of traffic. The network devices that we have in place detect these problems, and will shut down to prevent them from getting worse. When they shut down, everyone in the same building will lose Internet connection.
If you have a router, gateway, or switch device, you are creating problems for your fellow students. You must turn the device off and remove it from our network. You will be helping yourself and others when you do.
Approved method to share your network connection:
The only approved method to share the Internet connection in your room is to use a passive Hub device. You can connect one cable from the network jack in your room and multiple computer connections to the jacks on the hub. Devices labeled as switches, routers, or gateways are not allowed in the residence halls.
Hubs are available from many locations and are usually inexpensive. Ask for them at any local computer store, or find them online at the following locations:
Here is an example of the type of hub you should look for http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DS104.php
Keep your computer secure and virus-free:
We urge you to keep your system updated with the latest operating system patches. You should also have an anti virus software that is updated often. See this page for more details: Anti-Virus
