Connecting to the Network
High-Speed Wired Network
All University of Detroit Mercy resident rooms have two active ports to connect to the University's resident network. All rooms also contain two or three standard phone ports for telephone connections (of which only one will be active). While they look alike, network ports and phone ports are very different and you cannot use a phone cord in a network port nor a network cord in a phone port.
In layman's terms the network cord is the one with the bigger ends, a phone cord has a smaller connector.
A network cord, also known as a CAT5 or CAT6 patch cord, is sold at most computer and office supply stores in varying lengths. It is suggested that you acquire a 10 ft or longer cord for flexibility to move your computer around the room. Cords start at around $5 and increase based on the length.
For many, connecting to the University's resident network may be as simple as:
- Plug a network cable into the network port on the back of the computer and plug the other end into the network port on the wall.
- Turn the computer on.
- Start the internet browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Safari) and test your connection by going to an internet site (i.e. http://www.udmercy.edu/)
For others, connecting to the network may be more involved. You may need to:
- Install a network card and software drivers if your computer does not come with an existing network port
- Enable the network port in your computer's operating system
- Configure the network settings for to obtain a dynamic address via DHCP
Instructions for Windows XP Users Unable to Connect
- From the Start menu, select Settings, choose Control Panel
- Double-click on Network Connections
- Double-click Local Area Connection
- Click on the General tab, and then click on the Properties tab
- Click on the General tab, then select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties
- Select Obtain an IP address automatically
- Select DNS server automatically
- Click the OK button.
If you have instructions for connecting to the network that came with your computer, please refer to those to guide you through the process. The resident network is an open network where addresses are temporarily assigned via DHCP.
During the Freshman move-in date, Helpdesk staff will be present in the lobby to assist with connecting to the network. If you are unable to connect to the network during this day, please stop by the Helpdesk in the lobby for assistance. After the move in date, please contact the Helpdesk at 313.993.1500 to request assistance. Assistance may require an on-site visit which will be scheduled for a convenient time. (Helpdesk staff are generally not available for call-over on-the-spot service but very willing to schedule an on-site visit.)
WIFI
The WIFI signal throughout the residence halls varies in strength. All floors have access points available and the closer a room is to the access point the better quality signal and speed. Resident students are strongly encouraged to use the wired network for top performance. WIFI access will always be slower and often a WIFI connection is sharing bandwidth with other computers connecting through the same access point and all other access points.
The Helpdesk is unable to assist residents in connecting non-computer equipment to the network (i.e. game consoles). Please consult documentation provided by the device manufacturer. ITS cannot gaurentee all devices will properly connect to the network.
Please take note that occasionally computers that may have appeared to be virus-free on a home network are suddenly detected as over-saturating the network due to an infection. In such instances, ITS may lock the port down until the computer has been cleansed.
ITS provides free commercial virus protection to resident students. Residents students may pick up their free one-year license by presenting their student ID and resident hall prox card to the Helpdesk in Fisher 230. The Helpdesk staff will verify your name and room location and then give you an installation CD.