Connecting to ResNet HSC - Windows XP

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:

1. From the Start menu, select Programs. Then select Accessories and Command Prompt.
2. Result: A Command Prompt window appears (see Figure 1).
3. 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
4. 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: ol>

From the Start menu, select Control Panel then Network Connections.

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.
Result: The Local Area Connection Properties window appears (see Figure 1).

Make sure that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the only item checked.

Figure 1: Local Area Connection Properties Window

If Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is not listed, you will need to install it.

• Click Install.
• From the Select Network Component Type window, click Protocol then Add.
• Under Network Protocol, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Then click OK

Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.

Be sure that both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are checked.

From the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, click the Advanced button.

Click the DNS tab. Make sure that Register this connection's addresses in DNS is unchecked.

Click the WINS tab (see Figure 2). Verify that Enable LMHOSTS lookup is not checked, and that nothing is specified in the WINS addresses box.

Make sure that Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP is selected.

Figure 2: WINS Tab

Click OK to close the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window.

Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.

In the Local Area Connection Properties window, click the Advanced tab (see Figure 3).

Make sure the first checkbox, Protect my computer and network by limiting of preventing access to this computer from the Internet, is checked.

Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.

Figure 3: Advanced Tab

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