Connecting to ResNet

The information below should guide you in connecting your computer to the Bethel Residential Network (known as ResNet).

Before connecting to ResNet, you must secure your computer as described in the Security and Virus Awareness page.

All 10 Base T and 10/100 Base T Ethernet capable and 802.11b wireless capable computers may be connected to Bethel’s network, but at this time Bethel will only be able to offer support for systems meeting the support requirements as stated in the ResNet Support Policy.

Determining the Network Adapter That You Need

Campus housing, with the exception of the North Village complex, uses a very common network standard called Ethernet. The North Village buildings, specifically Turnwall, Danielson, Wyden, Wingblade, and Wessman, use a wireless networking standard designated 802.11b (also known as WiFi). If you are assigned to any of these buildings you need to have a wireless network adapter to connect your computer to ResNet.

Ethernet Network Adapters (All Bethel Housing Except North Village)

Virutally all computers sold since 2000 come with built-in Ethernet adapters and will not need any special hardware to connect with Bethel’s network. If your computer does not have one already, you can purchase either a 10 Base-T or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network adapter. You may bring your computer to the ITS Helpdesk if you are uncertain if your computer has one. The adapters are available in several versions to accommodate the different types of expansion slots in computers.  If you are uncertain about the expansion slots on your computer, contact a local computer reseller to help you with this.

Make sure you have an Ethernet twisted-pair network cable. This will look very similar to a telephone cable, but it will be slightly thicker and the plug at the end will have 8 pins as opposed to the 2 or 4 pin phone cable. This is an important distinction – telephone cables will not work!

In your room you will find several wall “jacks” containing outlets similar to a telephone’s, but with slightly larger holes. Connect your computer to the plug you would prefer to use. Please note: depending on where you live, only some of these ports may be active.

Finally, you will need to follow the directions in a Configuration Guide to change any settings needed to connect your computer to ResNet.

Wireless Network Adapters (North Village Only)

Some computers come with built-in wireless network adapter, but many will require the installation of an adapter. Windows-based computers will need an 802.11b (WiFi) wireless network adapter. 802.11g wireless adapters are not supported on our network at this time. Macintosh computers will need an Apple Airport Card installed in them.

The adapters are available in several versions to accommodate the different types of expansion slots in computers. If you have a desktop computer, you most likely need to purchase the USB version of the adapter. PCI slot versions are also available for Windows-based computers, but cannot be easily repositioned to assist in signal reception. Laptops require a PCMCIA card version. If you are uncertain about the expansion slots on your computer, check its manual or contact the manufacturer.

Wireless Networking Insights…

Bethel’s ResNet program does not officially endorse or recommend any brand of wireless adapter; however, we have made some observations. PC laptop computers using PCMCIA cards based on the Lucent chipset outperform, in terms of range, cards based on other chipsets. Cards using this chipset are marketed under the following brands: Lucent, Agere, Proxim, Avaya, Hewlett Packard and Enterasys. Proxim’s Orinoco cards are the least expensive and fairly easy to locate. These cards are not available at retail outlets, but can be purchased through Internet resellers such as Buy.com. We have also observed, desktop computers using external USB adapters with antennas display better long-range performance than those lacking an antenna. An example of this style of adapter is the Linksys, WUSB 11 wireless USB adaptor, version 2.6.

Finally, you will need to follow the directions in a Configuration Guide to change any settings needed to connect your computer to ResNet.