UMES - Information Technology - Student Network Connectivity

All dorm rooms on campus have the ability to connect to the Internet and the UMES Student LAN (local area network).
There are four components to connecting to the LAN:
1. a network adapter,
2. a network cable,
3. a network jack, and
4. CleanAccess software

The latest PC's and laptop computers come with a network adapter built in.
Some other names for a network adapter are:
- Network Interface Card (NIC)
- Ethernet adapter
- Network/Ethernet Port
- 10/100 Mbps network card
The network adapter port looks like an oversized telephone port.

If your computer does not have a network adaptor built-in:

Adapters are available on campus at Information Technology Department, or should be available off-campus at Wal-Mart, Circuity City, Staples or Office Max in the computer accessories section.
If you are planning on purchasing one from IT, please make sure you have funds on your Hawk Account. Call the Help Desk to check availability and pricing.
For easy setup, we recommend a USB network adaptor

Sample of a network adapter port
Network Adaptor Port

Sample of a USB network adapter
USB Network Adaptor

The network cable allows you to connect the network adapter on your computer to the network jack in your room.
Some other names for a network cable are:
- Cat5 Cable
- Patch Cable
- Straight Cable
- Ethernet Cable
When purchasing a network cable, be sure that it is NOT A CROSSOVER CABLE.
Cables are available on campus at Information Technology Department, or should be available off-campus at Wal-Mart, Circuity City, Staples or Office Max in the computer accessories section.

Sample of a network cable

The network jack is your connection to the student network and the world via Internet.
Network jacks vary by dorm, but it is normally found beside or below your telephone port on the wall.
The network jack is sometimes labeled 'Data'.
The network jack looks like an oversized phone jack.

CleanAccess is a network authentication and validation software preventing 'infected' machines from accessing the network.
Please see the CleanAccess webpage for information on installing and using the CleanAccess authentication software.

Make sure you have a straight Cat5 Patch Cable, NOT A CROSSOVER CABLE.
Make sure you are using DHCP(Instructions for Windows 95/98/ME/NTand 2000/XP).
Using cable internet at home? You may need to reset your TCP/IP Networkingfor use in the Residence Halls.
If you have checked the above items, and your network card DOES NOT have a green link light, call the help desk at x8324 (TECH) on-campus or 410-651-8324 off-campus.

Enter the Network and Dial-Up Connections properties by Right-Clicking 'My Network Places' on the desktop and choosing Properties.
Right-Click 'Local Area Connection' and choose Properties.
Double-Click 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)'.
Choose the option: Obtain an IP Address Automatically.

Right-Click 'Network Neighborhood' and choose Properties.
Click the 'Protocols' tab, then Double-Click 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)'.

NOTE: If you do not see a TCP/IP protocol for your network card you will need to add one. To do so, click the Add button in the Network control panel. The Select Network Component Type window will open. Select Protocol and choose Add. After the Select Network Protocol window has opened, you will need to choose the protocol to install. From the field on the left choose Microsoft, and from the field on the right, choose TCP/IP. Select OK. You should now be back at the Network control panel (see Figure 3).
Choose the option: 'Obtain an IP Address from DHCP Server' or 'Obtain an IP address automatically'. Click OK and restart if prompted.

Option 1 for Windows 98

Option 2 for all Windows Operating Systems