Connecting to ResNet HSC - Windows Vista

ResNet, USC's residential network, provides users with network connectivity in residence halls, Leavey Library and some academic buildings.

To gain access to ResNet, you'll need to register your computer on the network and configure your network connection.

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:

1. Open the Start menu and type cmd in the search box.
2. Hit Enter.
   
3. In the Command Prompt,type getmac -v and hit Enter
• Your MAC address/physical address is listed as the physical address.
• 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 Local Area Connection (not wireless).
  For example: Physical address: 00-B0-E8-F7-AC-32
• Write this number down. You will need it to register.

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:

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel (Classic view), locate and click Network and Sharing Center.
3. From the left tasks list, select Manage network connections .
4. Right-click Local Area Connection and click Properties. If you have not yet correctly configured your Ethernet card, you will not see a Local Area Connection icon.
   
5. From User Account Control window, Click Continue to authorize the changes you want to make.
6. In the This connection uses the following items: box on the Local Area Connection Properties window , make sure that Internet Protocol (TCP/IPv4) is the only item checked.

   

7. If Internet Protocol (TCP/IPv4) is not listed, you will need to install it.
8. Click Install.
9. Click Protocol then Add.
10. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IPv4). Then click OK.
11. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
12. In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, make certain that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are chosen and then click the Advanced button.
13. Click the DNS tab.
14. Click Append these DNS suffixes (in order). Click Add.
15. Type usc.edu. Then click Add.
16. Type hsc.usc.edu. Then click Add.
17. In the DNS suffix for this connection box, type usc.edu.
18. Uncheck the option marked Register this connection's addresses in DNS.

    

19. Click the WINS tab (see Figure 3).
20. Make sure that Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP is selected.

    

21. Click OK to close the Advanced TCP/IPv4 Settings window.
22. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IPv4) Properties window.
23. Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.

Registering Your MAC Address/Physical Address
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 for each resident. Phone jacks are labeled PHONE and ResNet jacks are labeled NET.

Then open a web browser application (i.e., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari). You should be automatically taken to the Registering for ResNet web page Registering for ResNet form. Enter your USC username and password and click submit. A success message will appear to notify you that your MAC address/Ethernet address has been registered. You are now ready to use ResNet.

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