Network connections must be made with a
Category 5 patch cable directly between your computer’s
network interface card and the wall jack. No intervening
hubs,
switches,
routers,
wireless access
points & wireless routers, or other networking devices may be
used.
Connecting to a high speed network shared
by thousands of other personal computers is inherently different
from connecting to the Internet at home via an ISP. Management of
such a network requires in-depth knowledge of all network equipment
attached to the network and control over all services provided.
Unauthorized and/or improperly configured network equipment can hide
computers causing problems as well as interfere with critical
network services such as
DHCP, DNS, etc.
- Computers attached to the Residential
Network (ResNet) must have all relevant operating system security
patches installed. For Windows-based systems these are normally
the critical updates found using Windows Update.
When your computer is continually connected
with thousands of others on a network, the potential for security
problems rises dramatically. You have a responsibility not only to
yourself, but to the campus and Internet communities as well to
secure your machine against known threats. Microsoft provides
frequent security updates for its Windows-based systems. Updates
are normally available before the addressed weakness is actually
exploited. Regular updates help lessen the likelihood you’ll be
affected (or affect the rest of the network) when an attack occurs.
- All computers must be running up-to-date
antivirus software.
Worms and viruses are a fact of life on a
network. All computers must be prepared to repel them with
antivirus software. Since new viruses appear daily, it is
imperative that you keep your antivirus software updated to make it
aware of the newest threats. Failure to do so can result in total
loss of information on your computer as well as disruption of the
campus network.
- Your Southeast Key (SE Key) must be used to
obtain an IP
address once your computer is attached to ResNet. No
hard
coded IP addresses are permitted without prior approval of
Information Technology.
When you first attach your computer to
ResNet and launch its web browser, you’ll be taken to a web page to
register your computer on the network. After entering your SE Key
and associated password, a unique Internet address will be assigned
to your machine. Your computer will automatically renew this
address from time-to-time, at which point the address might change.
If you manually configure your computer with an Internet address,
you will quite likely wind up duplicating an address that has
already been assigned to another computer, causing both not to work.
- No computer may act as a server on ResNet.
This includes web servers, ftp servers, file sharing (e.g., Kazza,
Morpheus), etc.
Heavily used servers place an undue burden
on networking resources. This is especially true of those accessed
via our Internet connection. Peer-to-peer file sharing systems,
such as those used by music and video services, are often
problematic because of the heavy use they receive from external
users.
- No part of a computer (files, hard drive, or
peripheral devices such as printers) may be shared between
machines on ResNet.
Worms often spread from machine to machine
via open (improperly secured) shares on a network. Intruders use
them to gain access to your machine. Increased levels of traffic
also result from the advertising of the shares.
Only the TCP/IP protocol is required.
Other protocols, such as
IPX/SPX and
AppleTalk should
not be installed on computers attached to ResNet.
- Information Technology is charged with
maintaining security and managing bandwidth on ResNet. If a
problem can be isolated to a particular port, that port will be
deactivated and the student contacted. From time to time it might
be necessary to disconnect entire floors or buildings to locate
the source of a problem.
Surprising as it might seem, it’s possible
for one compromised computer or improperly configured piece of
networking gear to affect the operation of an entire network. When
network communications are affected, the only remaining means of
troubleshooting is often to disconnect various parts of the network
until the problem is isolated.
Snooping on network traffic will be
considered an attempt to violate network security.
- Information Technology will not perform
Network Interface Card installs, hardware repairs or software
maintenance on student computers.
Information Technology does not have the
staffing required to perform repairs on students’ computers. If
assistance is needed, it might be necessary to contact an external
vendor to obtain the necessary services.
- Information Technology will assist students
in making a connection to ResNet. If a problem can’t be resolved
over the telephone, assistance will be provided in-room or via
carry in at Information Technology’s discretion.
Most problems encountered during the
initial connection to ResNet involve patch cord and software
configuration issues. Many of these issues can be handled over the
telephone. If a problem cannot be resolved or a hardware problem is
suspected, it might be necessary to contact an external vendor for
assistance.
- Information Technology personnel may enter
student rooms while the student is present or when accompanied by
a Residence Life staff member to perform troubleshooting
activities or to locate unauthorized networking devices that are
disrupting the network.
Information Technology staff members will
not enter or remain in a student’s room unaccompanied by the
occupant or a Residence Life staff member. While an IT staff member
is present, the door to the room should remain open. Please make
sure you will be able to stay in your room for a reasonable length
of time when scheduling a service visit with the Help Desk.
- Traffic on ResNet is subject to
prioritization at Information Technology’s discretion to insure
bandwidth availability for academically related activities.
The campus network, including ResNet, is to
be used in support of the University’s academic mission. To this
end, Information Technology uses traffic prioritization in
conjunction with quality of service mechanisms to provide the best
possible throughput for traffic such as web browsing, e-mail, Mobius
and interactive video.
- Firewalls may be used by Information
Technology to protect network resources. Both traffic
prioritization and firewalling may have negative impacts on some
types of traffic.
From time-to-time it is necessary to
control access to certain network protocols and/or ports for
security or performance reasons. During periods of heavy network
traffic, some protocols such as those used by peer-to-peer file
sharing services and network-based games may be blocked or set to
such low priority that they appear to be blocked.
- The University e-mail system (using SE Keys)
and the University telephone system will be the primary methods of
contact regarding ResNet issues. Failure to reply to a request
for information may result in temporary disconnection from the
network if such action is deemed necessary to protect network
services.
If it becomes necessary to contact you
regarding a network issue (such as a virus infecting your computer)
Information Technology will attempt to e-mail you using your SE Key
and/or call you at the residence hall number listed on your student
record.
- Violation of ResNet policies or Southeast’s
Computing policies may result in disconnection from ResNet.
Violators will be referred to the Dean of Student’s for possible
disciplinary action.
Most violations are unintentional and can
be easily corrected by responding promptly to notifications from
Information Technology.
(Revised 2/5/04)
