Connecting to ResNet HSC - Windows 2000
ResNet, USC's residential network, provides users with network connectivity in residence halls, Leavey Library and some academic buildings.
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/Physical Address
Registering Your MAC Address/Physical Address
Configuring Your Network Connection
Getting Help
Determining Your MAC Address/Physical Address
You must register the Media Access Control (MAC) address/physical 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/physical address:
- From the Start menu, select Programs. Then select Accessories and Command Prompt.
- Result: A Command Prompt window appears (see Figure 1).
- Type
ipconfig /all. Click Enter.
Result: Your MAC address is listed as the physical address. For example:
Physical address: 00-B0-E8-F7-AC-32 - Write this number down. You will need it to register.

Figure 1: Command Prompt Window
Some computers may have more than one Ethernet card/adapter, usually a wireless as well as a wired Ethernet card. If this is the case, use the MAC address/physical address listed under the Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection (not wireless).
Registering Your MAC Address/Physical Address
You can register your MAC address/physical address online using the Registering for ResNet form. A success message will appear to notify you that your MAC address/physical address has been registered. You may access the form from any Public Computing Center on campus.
Configuring Your Network Connection
Follow the steps below to complete the setup:
- From the Start menu, select Settings then Network and Dial-up Connections.
- Right-click the Local Area Connection icon. Then click Properties. If you do not see the Local Area Connection icon, your Ethernet card is not installed or not installed properly.
- Make sure that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the only item checked.
- If Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is not there, click Install.
- From the Select Network Component Type window, click Protocol then Add.
- Under Network Protocol, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) then OK.
- Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.
- In the Internet Protocol(TCP/IP) Properties window, make certain that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are chosen and then click the Advanced button.
- Click the DNS tab (see Figure 2).
- Click Append these DNS suffixes (in order).
- Click Add. Type
usc.eduthen click Add. - Click Add. Type
hsc.usc.eduthen click Add. - In the DNS suffix for this connection box, type
usc.edu. - Uncheck the option marked Register this connection's addresses in DNS.

Figure 2: DNS Tab - Click the WINS tab (see Figure 3).
- Make sure that Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP is selected.

Figure 3: WINS Tab - Click OK to close the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window.
- Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.
- Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.
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



