- What kind of network cable will I need to use the service?
- Why do we only have broadband?
- Why can't I see my friend's computer in the next room/block?
- TV licence - do I need one if I only have a computer?
- Which socket should I be using?
- What is the left-hand socket for?
- I have more than one computer - can I use wireless?
- I have more than one computer - can I use a router?
- I have more than one computer - what can I do?
- I have been disconnected for having a virus. What happens next?
- How many registrations am I allowed and when will they stop working?
- Do you have wireless networking in your halls?
A. The network in the residences uses RJ-45 connectors, it's like a big chunky BT telephone socket. Most computer shops sell cables labelled as CAT5, CAT5e, UTP (unshielded twisted pair), STP (shielded twisted pair) or simply 'ethernet' cables. All of these should be compatible with our system. The university Paper shop also sells these.
Q. Why do we only have broadband?
A. The network in the residences has to provide network connectivity for around 4000 study bedrooms - in order to make the amount of traffic manageable (noting that most virus activity comes from this area) we have taken this route. It is worth noting that all teaching material is created with broadband in mind and giving each study bedroom an independent broadband connection is on a par with any shared broadband you may get in rented accommodation in the city with your friends in other years at UEA.
Q. Why can't I see my friend's computer in the next room/block?
A. As above - the amount of virus activity taking place in the residences over the past years has shown that allowing room-to-room communication magnifies this problem. If you wish to transfer files to your friends then feel free to Email them - the attachments will be virus-checked on their way through.
Q. TV licence - do I need one if I only have a computer?
A. We have spoken with the TV licencing people about this because of a number of queries we had. It's obvious that you will need a TV licence if you have a TV tuner card in your computer (i.e. one which has an aerial socket for receiving broadcasts) - this is true in all cases. Their ruling, however, is that you also need a licence to watch television channels transmitted over the Internet which are instantaneous, or near instantaneous, to those being broadcast anywhere in the world. Note that, under the Communications Act 2003, you need a licence in the
A. You should be using the right-hand socket, the left hand socket is reserved
Q. I have more than one computer - can I use wireless?
A. No.. wireless connections can be insecure (both in terms of security and from the virus perspective - direct connections between neighbouring computers) and its introduction may cause loops in the residence network. There are sufficient ports in the study bedrooms so that wireless is not necessary. Also note that, you are personnally responsible for the use of the network connection to your room - permitting it to be transmitted wirelessly means that you will be held responsible if others connect and misuse the connection.
Q. I have more than one computer - can I use a router?
A. No! Routers, especially ones which undertake NAT (Network Address Translation) attempt to map multiple computers behind them on to one public address. This also has the effect of by-passing the registration procedure which is in direct contravention of the Conditions of Use.
Q. I have more than one computer - what can I do?
A. The only suggested way forward is to use a hub or switch connected to the wall socket. Note that your broadband connection will now be shared between all your devices and any unacceptable activity by any of these machines will mean we disable the connection for ALL machines. Note that given the transparent nature of hubs and switches, you do not need to register these devices.
Q. I have been disconnected for having a virus. What happens next?
A. Please refer to the Email you will have been sent from the IT Helpdesk and consult the self-registered equipment terms and conditions.
Q. How many registrations am I allowed and when will they stop working?
A. In practice there are unlimited registrations allowed in the system (to allow for those with iPads, phones, laptops etc). Registrations will age out of the system after 6 months of inactivity.
Q. Do you have wireless networking in your halls?
A. Currently we don't, no. We are looking into it and will be considering running trials in particular blocks to gauge take up. One big question we'll need to answer is that, if we do provide wireless networking across the halls - will we need to retain a wired connection. A number of our blocks have listed building status and all of our blocks provide a challenge regarding providing a consistent and fair coverage across all rooms so, overall, this is going to be a significant project to implement, subject to funding being available.
If the above FAQs do not answer your query then you could try the following:
IT Helpsheets and documents
IT Services section of this website
Contact the relevant IT Helpdesk (see below)
There are also FAQS about other areas of IT Services.
Contact:
IT Helpdesk: extension 2345 (external callers: 01603 592345), Contact Helpdesk
