University of Southern California

ITS Information Technology Services

A division of the Office of the Chief Information Officer

Getting Connected

ITS provides several ways to access the USC network.

Computer Registration
In order to use the USC network, you will need to register your desktop or laptop. Only USC students, faculty, and staff with active USC email accounts may register computers for use on the USC network.
USCNet (For Faculty and Staff)
USCNet, USC's high-speed network, provides users with connectivity in academic and office buildings. Faculty and staff should register computers for use on USCNet.
ResNet (For Students)
ResNet provides users with network connectivity in residence halls, Leavey Library and some academic buildings. Students should register computers for use on ResNet.
USC's Wireless Network
Access to USC's wireless network is free and open to all. You can gain wireless access to the USC Network from most outdoor common areas, libraries, auditoriums, on-campus eateries and the University Village Food Court.
USC Wireless Plus
USC Wireless Plus is a faster, encrypted network, available only to USC account holders. Before connecting to USC Wireless Plus for the first time, users will need to register their computers.
Mobile Devices
In order to access the USC wireless network or your USC email on a mobile device, such as a Blackberry or iPhone, it is recommended that you register the MAC address of the device for use on the USC network.
Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
VPN, also called IP tunneling, is a secure method of accessing USC computer resources. While connected to the Internet, it allows you to connect to USC and get a USC IP address using your USC username and password.

Last updated:
August 12, 2011

The use of all USC computing resources is governed by the USC Computing Policies.