Information Technology Services - Computing, Networking and Storage
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Connecting to ResNet - 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

Registering Your MAC Address/Physical Address

Configuring Your Network Connection
Follow the steps below to complete the setup:

  1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel. If you are using Windows XP Professional, select Control Panel from the Settings section of the Start menu.
  2. In the Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections and then Network Connections. If you are currently in Classic View, you can open Network Connections from the available icons.
  3. 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).
  4. In the This connection uses the following items: box, make sure that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the only item checked.

    xp_localproperties.jpg
    Figure 1: Local Area Connection Properties Window

  5. If Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is not listed, you will need to install it.
  6. Click Install.
  7. Click Protocol then Add.
  8. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Then click OK.
  9. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.
  10. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, click the Advanced button.
  11. Click the DNS tab (see Figure 2).
  12. Click Append these DNS suffixes (in order). Click Add.
  13. Type usc.edu. Then click Add.
  14. Type hsc.usc.edu. Then click Add.
  15. In the DNS suffix for this connection box, type usc.edu.
  16. Uncheck the option marked Register this connection's addresses in DNS.

    xp_dns.jpg
    Figure 2: DNS Tab

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

    xp_wins.jpg
    Figure 3: WINS Tab

  19. Click OK to close the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window.
  20. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.
  21. In the Local Area Connection Properties window, click the Advanced tab (see Figure 4).
  22. Make sure the first checkbox, Protect my computer and network by limiting of preventing access to this computer from the Internet, is checked.
  23. Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.

    xp_advanced.jpg
    Figure 4: Advanced Tab

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



Last updated: Monday, December 10, 2007, 09:38AM PST