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Frequently Asked Questions
Network:
1. How do I connect my computer to the Internet?
The Short: Call the ResNet office, we'll step you through it.
The Long: Instructions for setting up your machine are available from our
website. The Network Connection Guide provides
illustrated, step-by-step instructions for setting-up and configuring your computer to use
our network. Select your Operating System from those listed on the left side of the page.
2. What if I don't have a GT Account to use with STAR^3T?
Georgia Tech students must use their GT Account to authenticate with the START system. All
students receive a GT Account Card during FASET.
If you did not receive one, you must contact the
OIT Customer Support
Center at 404.894.7173 to get one. You will be required to show a valid BuzzCard to
receive your GT Account.
Conference guests, visiting professors and visiting research students without a GT account
should submit a ResNet Special Access Request.
Please complete all required information. Missing information will need to be obtained by
email/phone before a username and password will be issued. Once approved, the username and
password will be emailed/phoned to you.
3. Can I connect more than one computer to the network?
The Short: This is not supported, but it is possible.
The Long: Our infrastructure is designed to support one device using one port,
per student. You may connect a routing device, which has multiple ports, or
you may use the Internet Connection Sharing feature built into Windows. ResNet
RTA's will give "best effort" support when helping to configure your routing
device to our network. See question 19. If you haven't purchased a router
yet, ResNet RTA's had great success with the Linksys BEFSR41 and the Netgear
RP614. These are both 4-port routers that would allow for 4 devices to be connected
using your one registration. Please follow the
router registration instructions for these devices.
ResNet strongly recommends against the cloning of MAC addresses when setting up a router for use
in your room. It has been know to cause connectivity issues for residents and the problem can be
resolved by reregistering when connecting a router for the first time. Also remember that Wireless
Routers are not allowed by Georgia Tech Policy. Please see question 21.
4. May I connect my laptop to the network?
You may connect 1 (one) computing device to the network. It may be a tower, desktop, laptop,
palmtop or anything else with an Ethernet card. See question 3 for more information.
5. Can I use a hub or switch to connect more than one computer?
Only the computer which has been registered with ResNet will be able to access the network
outside your room. The remaining computers will not be able to communicate with resources outside
your residence hall. Using a hub or switch can potentially cause your port to stop responding to all
traffic.
6. I just changed rooms, why doesn't my Internet work?
If you change rooms your registration information in our database will no longer be
correct. You must allow 2 business days for your room assignment to be updated. If you move
on a Monday afternoon, you should expect to be able to register on Wednesday afternoon. If your
building and room information is incorrect after 2 days, please contact the housing staff member
that approved your room change.
7. I just changed my network (Ethernet) card, why doesn't my Internet work?
Your network card has a unique "address" which we use to identify your computer on
our network. You will need to register your new card by visiting start.gatech.edu from the
registration network.
8. What are the names of the campus email servers -
POP3: pop.mail.gatech.edu (incoming mail)
SMTP: smtp.mail.gatech.edu (outgoing mail)
LU/PH: lu-serve.gatech.edu (directory info)
9. When I double click on Network Neighborhood why I don't see any computers?
Network Neighborhood functionality is unsupported.
10. My computer has a virus, what should I do?
Download (for free) and install VirusScan from the OIT website
(software.oit.gatech.edu).
After installing the software you should perform a full system scan to clean all
infected files.
11. How can I protect my computer from attack?
Download (for free) and install, both VirusScan and RealSecure Desktop from the OIT Website
(software.oit.gatech.edu).
VirusScan will protect your computer from viruses and RealSecure Desktop is a personal firewall
which will prevent malicious intrusion. We encourage you to use web based email reader
like webmail.
12. Is the firewall included in Windows XP Service Pack 2 enough to protect my computer?
The firewall included in Windows XP Service Pack 2 is not a true stateful-inspection firewall.
ResNet recommends installing RealSecure Desktop to compliment the functionality in the Windows firewall.
13. Can I host an FTP/WEB/Game server on my computer?
ResNet neither endorses nor condones the running of any unnecessary software on your
computer. In short "servers" are a security vulnerability and a potential for bandwidth
abuse. It is in your best interest too not run a "server".
14. What is "Bandwidth" abuse?
Over 6,000 residents share our network, if you allow anonymous users to download files
(music, movies, homework) you may be using more that your fair share of the campus resources.
Depending on the files you share with others you may be breaking the law and/or the Georgia Tech
Honor Code. ResNet requests that you think before you share. For more detail please review the
Computer and Network Usage Policy.
15. How much Bandwidth is too much?
The short: Anything in excess of 1 Gigabyte over a span of 24 hours is far
beyond normal usage.
The Long: Each dorm has a 1 Gigabit uplink. Over the span of 24 hours that
provides for a maximum of 10.8 Terabytes of bandwidth. If there are 100
residents in your hall then that translates to 108 Gigabytes (per day) each.
However, if all the users in the hall each consume their maximum fair
allotment, the overall effect can (and will) cripple the uplink. We ask that
all users control their usage to essential functions. If you need to back up
your hard drive that is fine, if you want to download a large file that is OK
too, but please do not make these intense/abusive behaviors routine.
All off-campus uploads are limited to 800 kilobits/s that's 8.64 Gigabytes per day.
16. What is DHCP?
DHCP is an acronym for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - It is also the tool we use
to automate the setup and maintenance of our network. Because DHCP is an automatic
tool, it helps us to eliminate both user and technician errors in the configuration
process. During fall move-in and in-between semesters, this tool is critical in delivering
timely service to each of our 6000 customers.
17. Is DHCP really dynamic?
Technically speaking yes. However, ResNet is fortunate to have large resources to draw
upon. This means that your configuration information is static for the duration of your
stay in one particular room. If you change rooms your configuration data will change with you.
18. How long is my DHCP lease good for?
Your lease time is currently 24 hours. Your computer will only obtain a new
lease at half of the lease time (12 hours), or when manually instructed to do
so by the user.
19. What is "Best Effort" support?
ResNet is tasked with connecting your working computer to the Housing
Residential network. ResNet RTA's are very knowledgeable and can possibly
help you with other types of requests. We provide assistance for these issues on
a "Best Effort" basis. During the peak time of each semester, usually the
first 2 to 3 weeks, non-connection issues are a much lower priority and
will be resolved as RTA's become available.
20. How do I configure my computer for wireless access?
Wireless access is provided in the Freshman learning centers and in Brittain and Woodruff
dining halls. The wireless connection is not supported in any residential rooms within
housing. Configuration instructions are available on LAWN's website:
www.lawn.gatech.edu
21. May I setup a Wireless Access Point in my room?
OIT policy
strictly prohibits the use of Wireless Access Points, also know as Wireless Routers. They pose a substantial
threat to campus information security and provisions of the policy allow for
termination of network privileges for any student found operating a Wireless Access Point.
22. How do I setup networking for my XBox or PS2?
Devices without a web browser to complete the registration process must use a
DSL/Cable Modem router to access the network. Refer to question 3 for setting
up a DSL/Cable Modem router. Then refer to the Xbox
or PlayStation 2
instructions provided by the manufacturers. Some games may require specific
firewall rules to operate properly.
23. What does STAR^3T stand for?
STAR^3t stands for Scanning Technology for Automated Registration, Repair and
Response Tasks. It is commonly referred to as the ResNet registration system.
The automated registration system scans each machine before they are allowed on
the network to help protect the integrity of the network. It does not scan for
all possible vulnerabilities and residents retain the responsibility for
keeping their system updated and patched.
Television:
1. Are televisions provided in each room?
Televisions are provided in some common area lounges throughout the
residence halls. To take advantage of the over 100 channels in your room, a television
is required. ResNet also recommends purchasing a high quality RG6 quad shield cable
from the Technology Center of Barnes & Noble @ Georgia Tech to receive the clearest
picture possible. Non-RG6 quad shield cables are the cause of most picture quality
related service calls.
2. Why don't I receive channels above channel 19/20?
Be sure that your TV is setup to receive "Standard Cable TV" signal. This is
usually set using the on-screen menu functions of your TV. If you need help
finding this setting, refer to the manual provided with the TV or the
manufacturers website.
3. Why are some of the channels missing when I use the up/down channel buttons,
but if I type in the channel number the channel appears?
Run the "Auto programming" feature from the on-screen menu functions of your
TV. This will cycle through every possible channel and allow "channel
flipping" using your up/down channel buttons.
4. I just installed a game system and now some of the channels are fuzzy, what is
causing this?
Game systems usually come with a device that is connected inline with the
coaxial cable connected to the wall. These devices are usually not properly
shielded and insert interference onto some of the channels, most notably
channels above 60. Try removing this device when the game system is not in use
to improve reception, or replace the device with a newer model.
5. Why is my cable fuzzy?
Most reports of "fuzzy cable" are caused by a defective patch cable between the
television and the wall. ResNet recommends the use of RG6 quad shield patch cables
which are available in the Technology Center of Barnes & Noble @ Georgia Tech.
6. Can I use a TV tuner card in my computer?
This is strongly discouraged by ResNet. The TV tuner cards currently available do
not have the crisp picture quality we have grown to expect from television programming.
7. Why does WTBS (channel 7) also appear on channel 68?
WTBS broadcasts a frequency of 489.25 MHz. Cable channel 68 receives 487.25 MHz signals.
The close proximity of the WTBS broadcast tower and the 2 frequencies causes unshielded
television tuners to pick up the signal. Many televisions that pick up the WTBS signal
on channel 68 also have problems with ghosting (a faint image of another channel
in the background) on other channels.
8. May I order additional premium channels or pay-per-view events?
At this time we are unable to provide additions to the over 100 provided channels.
Pay-per-view events are also not available in the residence halls.
9. Why are some channel numbers left blank in the line-up?
These channels are skipped to allow for additional channels to be located as close as
possible to the correct genre section as new channels become available.
10. Where are TV listings available for our channel line-up?
Several online TV listings are available for use with our channel line-up. Specify
30332 for the zip code and select "Georgia Tech - Atlanta" or "Newnan - Atlanta -
Georgia Tech". Zap-2-it (www.zap2it.com) and
Yahoo TV (tv.yahoo.com) both have an easy to use
interfaces.
11. Are gaming devices allowed to be connected to the network?
Gaming devices must be placed behind a registered router. Information is provided in
network question 3
12. Tell me about HDTV.
Georgia Tech Housing is evaluating adding a limited number of HDTV channels to the GTCN
channel line-up. The HDTV project is a result of work by GTCN, OIT and ResNet. Currently four
HDTV channels are broadcast on HDTV cable channel 95 and 96 using QAM 256 encoding.
QAM 256 allows multiple channels within a single channel. Channels 95 and 96 both have 2 broadcast
channels within the single channel slot. Although we do not
recommend any single HDTV tuner, we do recommend that those students obtaining HDTV tuners
ensure that they support QAM 64 and QAM 256. ResNet has found that the Samsung SIR-T351 works well.
We have found that residents living on West Campus, especially those in ULC, Woodruff, 6th St and Maulding,
are unable to tune any or all of the digtal channels due to interference from WREK radio transmitter.
As we look towards offereing a production digital tv in the future, we will plan not to use channels
95, 96 and 68(due to TBS).
95.3 - NBC
95.4 - 24-hour 11 Alive Weather (Non HD)
95.13 - FOX
96.1 - ABC
96.13 - CBS
CNET HDTV Listing
13. When will other channels be broadcast in HD?
There are no plans to transmit any other channels in High Definition in the near future since there is not
a cost feasible technical solution to reencode a decoded HD signal that is outputted from a Dish HD receiver.
Telephone:
1. How do I dial telephone calls?
Simply dial "9" followed by the 10 digit local number you wish to call. Toll
free calls are made by dialing a "9" followed by "1" and then the 10 digit
toll-free number.
On campus numbers (beginning with 206-, 894- and 385-) call be dialed using just
the last 5 digits of the phone number. Example: ResNet may be reached by dialing
4-0044.
2. I live in a traditional room, why don't I have dial tone?
The first thing to check is your equipment - disconnect your answering machine and
check for dial tone again. If you still do not have dial tone try another phone cord.
Lastly try a different telephone. If these attempts do not yield a dial tone, please
submit a Help Request to the ResNet Office
by phone 404-894-0044,
by email support@resnet.gatech.edu or
via the on-line Help Request.
3. I live in a traditional room and we have two phone jacks, which one do I use?
Both jacks should be active, use whichever is most convenient.
4. I live in an apartment, why don't I have dial tone?
Try the solution in Question 1 (above) first. If someone in your apartment has
accidentally plugged their computer into the phone port it will prohibit dial tone
throughout the apartment. Please check this before calling the ResNet office.
5. What do I do if my Caller ID isn't working?
After you have tested your phone on a neighbor's phone line where Caller ID is working,
call, email or submit a web help request so that we can submit a work order to have the feature
added to your phone line.
6. What is my phone number?
Your phone number is printed on the key card that you were given during move-in.
Alternatively you may call the ResNet office (or any phone with caller ID) and
we'll tell you what your phone number is.
7. How do I place a long distance call?
You must obtain a calling card or some other third party billing service with a
toll free or local access number. ResNet does not offer any long distance services.
8. What features does my phone line have?
All telephone lines have Caller ID Deluxe*, Call Waiting, 3-Way Calling and Call Forwarding.
*A Caller ID capable phone is required for this feature.
9. Can I get a private telephone line?
Yes. Private telephone lines must be contracted through BellSouth directly. You will be
responsible for both the installation fee(s) and the monthly service charge (as well
as any long distance) associated with the private line. You can contact BellSouth by
calling 404.780.2355.
10. Can I use both my ResNet phone line and my private phone line?
Yes. You must obtain a two line telephone, OR obtain a two-line splitter (for free)
from any of the Community Housing offices.
11. How do I forward by phone calls to another local phone number?
Call Forwarding is included with each residential phone line. To forward calls, dial
*74 , wait for dial tone, 9, then the 10-digit number where you wish to receive incoming calls.
To turn off Call Forwarding, dial #74.
