Frequently Asked Questions - Networking

1. What if my network connection is not working?

First, read all of the questions and answers in the Networking section of this document.  Most problems can be resolved by using the information found here.  The majority of reported problems are the result of using the wrong patch cable or a bad patch cable.  Do not use a telephone extension cable for a patch cable as it does not work, and it may damage the pins in the connectors.  See the question, "What does my computer need for the network?" for details.

A. If this is the first time you have connected your computer to the network and you cannot reach www.cune.org, this may be a web browser or a cable problem. For the web browser, see the question, "Why doesn't my web browser display any web sites?" To test the cable,

1. try plugging your patch cable into another network outlet in your room
2. borrow a known working cable from your roommate or someone on your floor
3. have your roommate or someone on your floor use your network cable
4. have your roommate or someone on your floor plug their computer into your network outlet

If the problem stays with the network outlet, report the problem to Computing Services. If the problem follows your network cable, replace the cable. If the problem follows your computer

1. check that your Ethernet adapter has been properly installed
2. check that the appropriate drivers have been installed for the Ethernet adapter (installation is usually automatic with the latest versions of Windows and MacOS)
3. check the network and web browser settings on your computer as described in this document

B. If your computer was working but now you cannot reach any web sites, including www.cune.org, the problem may be related to software that you recently installed (particularly game software). Windows XP allows you to "back up" to the point before you installed the software (search help for "System Restore"). You may want to try that option, if available. You may also want to use the "repair" or "restore" CD, if one came with your computer.

C. If you can reach both web sites www.cune.org and www.cune.edu but not other sites on the Internet, your computer may have used all of its Internet allowance. To check your Internet usage, visit www.cune.org from your computer and click the link for Internet Usage.

D. If you can only reach www.cune.org, your computer might not be registered for network access. Visit www.cune.org, click the link for Manage Account, login and register your computer.

2. What does my computer need for the network?

Most desktop and laptop computers today include networking capability. Your computer may already have everything you need. To function on Concordia's network, your computer must have two things, 1) a 10/100 Ethernet adapter (card) with an RJ45 jack and 2) a patch cable (also called a straight through Cat5 cable or an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable) with RJ45 connectors. One end of the patch cable plugs into the Ethernet adapter in your computer, and the other end plugs into the network jack in your room.

The Concordia University Bookstore carries Ethernet adaptors for different computers and patch cables of various lengths. Cards and cables are also available at places like Radio Shack and Best Buy. A modem will not work on the network. A modem is for a telephone line and a dial-up connection. The computer must have an Ethernet adaptor or a combination Ethernet/modem card (typically used with laptops).

3. How do I configure my computer for wired network access?

Almost all desktop and laptop computers today are already configured to work on Concordia's network without any changes. Simply connect your patch cable to the Ethernet adaptor on your computer and to the network wall jack in your room. Then, visit www.cune.org to register your computer for full network access. Until your computer is registered, it will only have minimal network access.

If you have an older computer or if you changed your computer's network configuration, you may need to reconfigure your computer. Follow the steps below for the operating system that you are using.

Windows XP Professional

1. Click the Start button in the taskbar and select Control Panel.
2. Click the Network and Internet Connections category.
3. Click the Network Connections control panel icon.
4. Double-click Local Area Connection listed under the LAN or High-Speed Internet section.
5. If the Local Area Connection is disabled, right click Local Area Connection and select Enable.
6. When the dialog box appears, click the Properties button.
7. Verify that an Ethernet adaptor (card) is listed in the Connect using box.
8. Verify that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is checked.
9. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to highlight it and then click the Properties button.
10. When the dialog box appears, verify that both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
11. Click the Advanced button.
12. Click the DNS tab.
13. Uncheck Register this computer's addresses in DNS.
14. Click OK (or Close) until all of the dialog boxes are closed.
15. You may need to reboot your computer if changes were made.

Windows 2000

1. Click the Start button in the taskbar and select Settings, select Control Panel and select Network and Dial-Up Connections.
2. Right-click the Local Area Connection icon and select Properties.
3. When the dialog box appears, verify that an Ethernet adaptor (card) is listed in the Connect using box.
4. Verify that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is checked. If it is not present in the Components checked are used by this connection box, then you need to install the TCP/IP protocol. Click the Install button, select Protocol and click Add. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) from the list and click OK.
5. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to highlight it and click the Properties button.
6. When the dialog box appears, verify that both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
7. Click the Advanced button.
8. Click the DNS tab.
9. Uncheck Register this computer's addresses in DNS.
10. Click OK (or Close) until all of the dialog boxes are closed.
11. You may need to reboot your computer if changes were made.

Windows 95/98/ME

1. Click the Start button in the taskbar, select Settings and select Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Network icon.
3. When the dialog box appears, click the Configuration tab is it is not already selected.
4. Click TCP/IP to highlight it and click the Properties button.
   
   (Windows 95 only) If TCP/IP is not present in the network components box, then you may need to configure your network adapter and install the TCP/IP protocol. To configure the network adapter, go to the Control Panel window and double-click Add/Remove Programs. Click the Add button and double-click Adapter. Select the appropriate Ethernet adapter and type from the list. If a diskette containing Windows 95 drivers was included with your Ethernet adaptor, click the Have Disk... button and select the drivers from that window. To install the TCP/IP protocol, select Protocol on the Network control panel and click the Add button. Select Microsoft as the Manufacturer and TCP/IP as the Network Protocol. Click OK to close the Network control panel. You may be required to have the original Windows 95 installation disks/CDs, and you will need to reboot your computer after the installation is complete.
   
5. When the dialog box appears, click the IP Address tab if it is not already selected.
6. Verify that Obtain an IP address automatically is selected.
7. Click OK to close the dialog box. You may be prompted to reboot your computer if you made changes.

Macintosh OSX

1. Click the System Preferences button (apple icon) on the dock.
2. Click the Network button on the toolbar.
3. Select Built-in Ethernet in the Configure drop-down list. If it is not present, choose Advanced from the Configure drop-down menu and check Built-in Ethernet in the Ports and Configurations box. Then select it from the drop-down list.
4. Click the TCP/IP tab if it is not already selected.
5. Select Automatic from the Location drop-down list.
6. Select Using DHCP from the Configure drop-down list inside the TCP/IP window.
7. Click Save to complete the configuration.

Macintosh OS 7.6/8.x/9.x

1. Click the Apple Menu, select Control Panels and select TCP/IP.
2. Select Ethernet (or Ethernet built-in) from the Connect via drop-down list.
3. Select Using DHCP Server from the Configure drop-down list.
4. Close the window and click Save to complete the configuration.

4. How do I find my computer's hardware (Ethernet) address?

Your computer uses an Ethernet adaptor or card to communicate on the network. Every Ethernet adaptor is assigned a numeric ID by the manufacturer that is similar to a serial number. The ID is referred to by various names, including adaptor address, hardware address, physical address, MAC address and Ethernet address. The ID consists of 6 pairs of digits, usually separated by a character. The digits consist of the numerals 0 through 9 and the letters A through F (case does not matter). Here are example Ethernet addresses.

If you register your computer online, the numeric ID is automatically displayed for you. If you need to find the address by hand, follow the steps below for the operating system that you are using.

Windows 98/ME/2000/XP

1. Click the Start button in the taskbar and select Run....
2. Type the word command in the Open box and click OK.
3. When the command window opens, type ipconfig /all and press return.
4. In the information that is displayed, look for Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection. The Description will list your Ethernet adaptor. The Physical Address will be just below that. If the Description lists "PPP adapter", the information in that section is for the modem, not the Ethernet adaptor. For the wireless adapter, look for Wireless Network Connection. The Physical Address will be listed below that.
5. Type Exit and press return to close the window.

Windows 95 (also 98/ME)

1. Click the Start button in the taskbar and select Run....
2. Type winipcfg.exe in the Open box and click OK. If the application is not found on a Windows 95 computer, you have not installed the TCP/IP protocol.
3. Select your Ethernet adaptor from the drop-down list. If "PPP adapter" is displayed, the information is for the modem, not the Ethernet adapter.
4. The Ethernet address will be displayed in the Adapter Address box.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Macintosh OSX

1. Click the System Preferences button on the dock.
2. Click the Network button on the toolbar.
3. Select Built-in Ethernet from the Configure drop-down list. If it is not present, choose Advanced from the Configure drop-down menu and check Built-in Ethernet in the Ports and Configurations box. Then select it from the drop-down list.
4. Click the TCP/IP tab if it is not already selected.
5. The Ethernet Address will be displayed in the lower part of the window.

Macintosh OS 7.6/8.x/9.x

1. Click the Apple Menu, select Control Panels and select TCP/IP.
2. Click the File menu and select Get Info.
3. The Hardware address will be listed in the dialog box.
4. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Your web browser may be configured to use a modem when accessing the Internet instead of the Ethernet adapter. See the question "Why doesn't my web browser display any web sites?" for details about changing your computer's Internet configuration from a dial-up connection to an Ethernet connection.

6. Why doesn't my web browser display any web sites?

There are several reasons why this would happen. If you have not registered your computer for full network access, you will not be able to reach any sites on the Internet, and you will also have limited access to Concordia's network. To solve this problem, visit www.cune.org and register your computer online by clicking Manage Account, logging in and clicking Register Computer.

If you used your Windows computer with dial-up Internet service elsewhere, your Internet configuration may have been set to always use a modem. When connected to an Ethernet network, a modem is not needed. To change the Internet settings, click Start on the taskbar, select Settings and select Control Panel. Double-click Internet Options. Click the Connections tab if it is not already selected. Select Never dial a connection and click OK to save the configuration. You will need to change this setting, again, if you use a dial-up service later.

Some computer manufacturers configure the default web browser to use a proxy server instead of accessing the Internet directly. Some software that you download from the Internet may also change your web browser to use a proxy server. You will need to find your web browser's proxy settings and turn them off. If you are using Internet Explorer 6, click the Tools menu and select Internet Options.... Windows users will note that this is the same as the Internet Options control panel. Click the Connections tab if it is not already selected. Click the LAN Settings... button. Verify that Use a proxy server is unchecked. Click OK to close the dialog box.

If you are using Netscape 7, click the Edit menu and select Preferences.... Click the triangle next to the Advanced category if it is not already expanded. Click Proxies under Advanced. Click Direct connection to the Internet and click OK to save the configuration.

7. Why does my web browser try to install a modem?

If you have a new Windows computer and this is the first time you are connecting to the Internet, you may be asked to install a modem when you start the web browser. Since you are connecting to a network, you do not want to install a modem. Cancel that option, click Start on the taskbar, select Settings and select Control Panel. Double-click Internet Options. Click the Connections tab if it is not already selected. Click the Setup... button on the upper right to set up an Internet connection. Select the last option to connect through a local area network and click the Next button. Select I connect through a local area network and click the Next button. Make sure that all of the boxes for Automatic Configuration and Manual Proxy Server are unchecked and click the Next button. Select No to not set up an Internet mail account and click the Next button. Click the Finish button to complete the configuration. Now, you should be able to start a web browser without being asked to install a modem.

8. Will Concordia set up my computer for me?

The Computing Services department at Concordia University does not provide installation, configuration or repair services for student computers. You will need to enlist the help of a friend or family member or contact a computer repair service about those issues. However, they will provide limited assistance with installing and configuring your network connection.

If your Ethernet adaptor is not installed or if you are not able to configure the adapter by following the directions in this document, you may schedule an appointment for the adapter to be installed and/or configured for you. The computer must boot without any problems (i.e., it must be working correctly) before an installation will be attempted. You may need the original installation disks/CDs for your Ethernet adapter and for the operating system (i.e., Windows or MacOS).

Laptops must be brought to the Computing Services department for the scheduled appointment. A Computing Services worker will visit your dorm room for desktop installations. You must be present in the dorm room during the installation. If it appears that there is a software or hardware problem with your computer, you may be referred to a computer repair service.

After the installation, the adaptor will be tested to confirm that it is configured and working correctly on the network. The configuration of software on the computer (e.g., instant messaging clients, voice chat software, word processing, etc.) is the sole responsibility of the computer user. If you have problems and tests indicate that the network connection is functioning properly, you may be referred to a computer repair service.

Please note that due to the large number of network connections made at the beginning of a semester, there will be a waiting period during the first two weeks for appointments that require a visit to the dorm room. We appreciate your patience during a very busy time.

9. Can I use video conferencing software in the dorm?

Video conferencing and similar software generally uses the H.323 protocol for communicating across a network. Unfortunately, this protocol was not designed to work in a secure environment like Concordia's network. The symptoms are that the other person on the Internet may be able to see and/or hear you, but you will not be able to see or hear them. If your video conferencing software uses a different protocol or has features that work with a firewall, it might work on Concordia's network. Consult the software documentation for more information.

10. Can I set up a web server or other service in the dorm?

Concordia has designed a secure network that allows your computer to access academic resources on campus and on the Internet. However, malicious people and infected computers are prevented from probing and attacking your computer. The same feature that protects your computer also prevents others from directly accessing a web server or any other service on your computer. You are encouraged to use www.cune.org for personal web pages (see other questions in this FAQ for details about web pages).

11. May I use a personal wireless LAN?

Student wireless LANs are not permitted. Concordia University reserves the wireless LAN radio spectrum and other radio frequencies for its own purposes. Student wireless LANs would interfere with Concordia's uses as well as change the network topology and compromise the security of the network. From a practical point of view, wireless LANs generally have slower and less reliable performance than the wired network.

12. How do I register my Xbox (or other device) for network access?

If you can access a website from your device, simply register the device as you would a personal computer. Visit www.cune.org, click Manage Account, login and click Register Computer. If you are unable to access a website from your device, find the MAC address of the wired network connection (also called the LAN address, hardware addess, physical address or Ethernet address). The address is 6 pairs of digits or the letters A through F (case does not matter), and the pairs might be separated by a space, colon or hyphen. The MAC address might be printed on a sticker on the device, or you might need to access a configuration screen on the device to see the address. Consult the documentation for your device for more information. An address will look similar to the following examples.

Send the MAC address and the type of device in a message to Helpdesk (at cune.edu, of course), requesting that the device be registered. You will receive an automatic notification that your message was received. Typically, your device will be registered under your name for you within one business day from the time your message was received. An email notification will be sent to you when the process is complete.

Note that Concordia University maintains a secure network. While features such as viewing web pages and sending email are possible from a personal computer, other types of devices might not function reliably in such an environment.

13. How do I configure my computer for wireless network access?

Note: After establishing a wireless connection, you must register your computer at www.cune.org in order to access the wireless network, even if you have already registered your computer for wired access.

An encrypted or unencrypted wireless connection is possible. Users are strongly urged to configure their computers to use an encrypted wireless connection for secure communication.

A. Click here for step-by-step directions for configuring an encrypted connection using the software that is part of Windows XP.

B. Click here for step-by-step directions for configuring an encrypted connection using Intel PROSet software on Windows XP.

C. Steps for configuring an encrypted connection on Mac OS 10.3 or higher.

1. Click on the AirPort item (fan shape) in the menu bar
2. Select "Open Internet Connect..."
3. In the new window, click on the 802.1X padlock (if one does not exist, click the File menu and choose "Create new 802.1X Connection...")
4. Click the "Configuration" dropdown box and select "Edit Configurations..."
5. In the configuration window, change the Description to CUNESecure
6. Set the Network Port to AirPort, if not already
7. Enter the User Name as concordia
8. Enter the password as concordia (all lowercase)
9. In the Wireless Network dropdown box, select CUNESecure
10. In the Authentication section, uncheck all items except PEAP
11. Click OK

Back in the Internet Connect window, it should display the information you just entered. Click the Connect button to make an encrypted connection to the wireless network. If you are are asked to accept the server certificate, check that it lists either vradius1.cune.edu or vradius2.cune.edu. Under the Issuer Name, it should list IPS SERVIDORES. After an encrypted connection has been succesfully established, you should see a display like the following.

Now, register your computer at www.cune.org

D. Generic information for an encrypted connection

If step-by-step instructions are not available for your computer, use the following information to configure your computer for an encrypted wireless connection. The terms below vary slightly from one software package to another. For example, one program might have an option labeled MSCHAPV2, and another program might call it EAP-MSCHAP-V2. However, it will be close enough for you to easily recognize.

After making a successful connection, register your computer at www.cune.org

E. Making an unencrypted wireless connection

Older wireless hardware might not be able to provide WPA2 Enterprise encryption. In that situation, the only choice is an unencrypted wireless connection.

If you visit a secure website that starts with "https", the information between the website and the web browser will be encrypted, whether you are using an encrypted wireless connection or not. The web browser will display a small lock or other symbol to indicate that the information is secure. Such secure websites include banks, credit card companies and shopping sites. You should consider connecting your computer to the wired network during the times you visit unsecure sites where you enter personal information.

To make an unencrypted wireless connection using the software included with Windows XP, follow these steps.

1. Go to Start
2. Click on Connect To
3. Click on Show all connections
4. Right-click on Wireless Network Connection
5. Select View Available Wireless Networks
6. Click the CUNE network
7. Click the Connect button
8. Close the windows
9. Register your computer at www.cune.org

If you use third-party software or a different operating system, use the steps above as a general guide for making an unencrypted wireless connection.

14. Where may I access the wireless network?

At the time this is written, wireless access is available in student areas of Janzow Campus Center, TLEC "mainstreet", Link Library and at least one lounge area per dorm.