Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the hardware requirements for connecting to the Internet?
2. What kind of network card should I get?
3. What are the software requirements for connecting to the Internet?
4. I use an operating system other than Windows XP/2000 or Mac OS X...
5. How do I hook up multiple computers to ResNet?
6. Do I have to register all of my computers with ResNet?
7. Will IT install my computer hardware (i.e; network card, etc.)?
8. I have a computer with a network card, now what?
9. How can I get an email account at EMU?
10. I have a problem with my EMU email account, who do I contact?
11. Why does my computer keep trying to "dial up"?
12. Can I register my computer from home, before moving in?
13. Why is my online game running slowly?
14. Why am I having a problem downloading a file from within the residence halls?
15. Which Residence Halls and University Apartments are serviced by ResNet?
16. How do I confirm that the person at my door is really from IT?
17. What open access computing labs are available for my use?

What are the hardware requirements for connecting to the Internet?

What kind of network card should I get?

To access the Internet via ResNet, your computer must be equipped with a standard Ethernet RJ-45 port. Almost all recent computers have these built in. Please consult your computer documentation if you are not sure if your computer already has one. Please note that modem is not an Ethernet network adapter. If your computer does not already have one, you will need to purchase one. Unless you know what you are doing, you may want to have it professionally installed for you. There are many different brands of network cards. The two we recommend are 3Com and Kingston. You can purchase these cards at most computer stores such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Max, Staples, or any local computer store, including the EMU Computer Store. They can be contacted at 734.487.2400

What are the software requirements for connecting to the internet?

If your operating system is not listed, please see the next question.

I use an operating system other than Windows XP/2000 or Mac OS X...

Computers running alternative operating systems are certainly welcome to ResNet. However, IT does not officially support alternative operating systems. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have, but we may not able to help you.

How do I hook up multiple computers to ResNet?

You can connect multiple computers to the network even though there is only one network drop per room. Whether you have 2 or more computers for yourself, or have multiple computers between you and your roommate, all of the systems can share the same network drop simultaneously. You only need one extra piece of equipment, a device called a switch. Switchs are sold at the EMU Computer Store and also in most computer stores.

Please note that simple RadioShack Y-splitters do not work.

Once you have a switch, you will need to plug a patch cable from the wall jack to the back of the switch. Usually you will plug that cable into a spot marked "Input" or "Uplink". Please consult the manual for installation instructions. After the switch is properly connected to the network, you may connect multiple computers to the available ports on the switch.

Do I have to register all of my computers with ResNet?

Yes, each computer must be registered in order to access ResNet.

Will IT install my computer hardware (i.e; network card, etc.)?

No, IT is unable to install hardware in student computers. There are a couple reasons why IT cannot provide this service.

1. IT does not have enough human resources to install hardware in everyone's computers.
2. There are many liability issues that need to be taken into account if IT installed new computer hardware. Once a Tech opens the computer they can be held responsible for any problems that may occur.

I have a computer with a network card, now what?

Then, all you need is to get a patch cable, plug it into the wall in your room, and go to register.resnet.emich.edu to register, and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be connected in a matter of minutes.

How can I get an email account at EMU?

To get your new email account (username@mail.emich.edu), go to my.emich.edu.

I have a problem with my EMU email account, who do I contact?

You will need to contact the IT Help Desk and have them help you out. They can be reached at 734.487.2120.

Why does my computer keep asking me to "dial up"?

Sometimes Windows isn't sure if you want to use the modem, or the Local Area Network (or LAN, such as ResNet), to connect. To fix this problem, click Start > Settings > Control Panel. Double click on "Internet Options" and click on the "Connections" tab. In some versions of Windows you can select "Never Dial a Connection". In others you have to run the "Internet Connection Wizard" to set the computer to connect via LAN.

Can I register my computer from home, before moving in?

No, sorry. Each computer needs to be connected to the wall in the room in order to be registered. If you want to be sure the computer is all set, make sure it has a NIC installed, you have a CAT5 Ethernet patch cord with RJ-45 connectors, and the computer is using operating system default TCP/IP settings (using dynamic settings, aka DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, instead of static settings).

Why am I having a problem downloading a file from within the residence halls?

Eastern Michigan University uses a packet-shaper that helps balance the load of network traffic. This packet-shaper can identify and prioritize network traffic while providing a fair and equitable amount of bandwidth for all residents. By guaranteeing a certain performance level to standard types of traffic, the packet-shaper helps to ensure that the academic network traffic needs of any resident will not be overwhelmed by online entertainment traffic. When bandwidth is not required to guarantee academic traffic, all other traffic is permitted to take up the excess. By occasionally limiting certain types of traffic we can increase the performance of the network for everyone.

Why is my online game running slowly?

Eastern Michigan University uses a packet-shaper that helps balance the load of network traffic. This packet-shaper can identify and prioritize network traffic while providing a fair and equitable amount of bandwidth for all residents. By guaranteeing a certain performance level to standard types of traffic, the packet-shaper helps to ensure that the academic network traffic needs of any resident will not be overwhelmed by online entertainment traffic. When bandwidth is not required to guarantee academic traffic, all other traffic is permitted to take up the excess. By occasionally limiting certain types of traffic we can increase the performance of the network for everyone.

Which Residence Halls and University Apartments are serviced by ResNet?

ResNet provides service to the following Residence Halls and University Apartments: Best, Brown, Buell, Downing, Hill, Hoyt, Munson, Phelps, Pittman, Putnam, Sellers, Wise, Walton, and The Village.

How do I confirm that the person at my door is really from IT?

If you have any concerns about the identity of someone claiming to be a ResNet, Help Desk, or IT employee, please call the IT Help Desk immediately at 734.487.2120 to confirm that we have a tech dispatched to your area.

What open access computing labs are available for my use?

IT operates a number of computing labs across campus that are available for use by all EMU students. Information is available on these labs at the IT Computing Labs website, and you can also check the current lab usage before even leaving your room. In addition, each academic college of the university offers various labs for students in their programs of study. For information on those labs you should contact the college or departments you are taking classes with.