Connecting to ResNet HSC - Mac OS X

ResNet, USC's residential network, provides users with network connectivity in residence halls, Leavey Library and some academic buildings. This document will guide you through the process of setting up your computer to work with USC's residential network at the Health Science Campus.

What You'll Need Before Connecting
To gain access to ResNet, you'll need the following:

• USC username and password
• Ethernet card installed in your computer. This card provides the jack used to plug the cable into the computer. If your computer does not have an Ethernet card installed, refer to your Ethernet card's installation instructions before proceeding.
• RJ45 network cable

Determining Your MAC Address/Ethernet Address
Registering Your MAC Address/Ethernet Address
Configuring Your Network Preferences
Getting Help

Determining Your MAC Address/Ethernet Address
You must register the Media Access Control (MAC) address/Ethernet address of your Ethernet card before you will be able to use ResNet. Every Ethernet card has a unique number assigned when it is manufactured.

Follow the steps below to determine your MAC address/Ethernet address:

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
   Result: The System Preferences window appears (see Figure 1).
   

   
   Figure 1: System Preferences Window

2. Click Network.
   Result: The Network window appears (see Figure 2).
3. Under Show, select your Ethernet card from the dropdown menu. If you have multiple Ethernet cards installed on your machine, select the Ethernet card you will be using to connect to ResNet.
   Result: Your address will be listed in the lower left side of the Network window as the Ethernet address.

Note: If you are using Mac OS 10.4 your MAC address will be listed under the Ethernet tab.

4. Write this down. You will need it to register.

   
   Figure 2: Network Window

Registering Your MAC Address/Ethernet Address
You can register your MAC address/Ethernet address online using the Registering for ResNet form. A success message will appear to notify you that your MAC address/Ethernet address has been registered. You may access the form from any Public Computing Center on campus.

Configuring Your Network Preferences

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
   Result: The System Preferences window appears (see Figure 3).
   

   
   Figure 3: System Preferences Window

2. Click the Network icon.
   Result: The Network window appears (see Figure 4).
   

   
   Figure 4: Network Window

3. If settings appear to be grayed out, you will need to authorize yourself as an Administrator. To do so, click the Lock icon at the bottom left of the Network window.
   Result: The Authenticate window appears (see Figure 5).
4. Type an Administrator username and password. If you are not an Administrator of the machine, you will need to have one unlock the Network preferences for you.
5. Once you've successfully unlocked the Network preferences, they will appear in black. You can now continue with the configuration.
   

   
   Figure 5: Authenticate Window

6. Open the Network window. Select your Ethernet card from the Show dropdown menu.
7. Click the TCP/IP tab.
   Result: TCP/IP settings will appear (see Figure 6).
8. Under the Configure dropdown menu, select Using DHCP.
9. Click the Apply Now button in the lower right hand corner of the Network Preferences window.
10. Close the System Preferences window.

    
    Figure 6: TCP/IP Settings

You can now plug your computer into a ResNet jack. In most ResNet wired dorms or apartments there is one phone jack and one ResNet jack per resident. Phone jacks are labeled PHONE and ResNet jacks are labeled NET. Test your connection by opening up an Internet-based application (such as a web browser or an email client).

Getting Help
To get help with your ResNet Connection, contact Housing Maintenance at (213) 740-4646.

Last updated: Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 08:44AM PDT