This document deals with connecting students' own computers to the College Network to get Internet access.
What is it?
The ‘Network’ is the network wiring in College which connects directly to the Internet at high speed. Every student room in College has a Network socket and its use is completely free for current Balliol students. THERE IS NO GENERAL WIRELESS NETWORK IN COLLEGE.
The Network sockets are always connected and allow students with their own computers to access academic resources, not only in Oxford, but across the planet from their desks. You do not need a College student account to use the Network.
What is needed?
To use the College Network students need their own computer equipped with a network card or adapter and a network cable. Most new computers already have an network connector - see the illustrations below. Do not mistake a modem (telephone) connection with an network (broadband) socket; the network is wider and has eight connections within. Modems do not work on the Network. Note, Ethernet = Network.
For a desktop without a network socket you can use an USB network adapter.
You will also need a network cable to link from the wall socket to your computer - these can be purchased in 2-20m lengths. A network cable is shown in both the pictures above.
Where can I get the bits?
Network cards, adapters and cables can be bought from most computer stores. NEW 2010 5m and 3m network cables can be bought in the College Buttery (3m = £2.80, 5m ~£4.60)
What are the restrictions?
The College network is not like a home broadband; its use is restricted by licences with our suppliers for bona fide academic purposes. Furthermore to protect all the computers within College, sophisticated filtering takes place which reduces the opportunities for viruses and hackers to invade the site. As such, many applications which operate in a home environment (e.g. web cams, many chat programs, internet telephones, games, etc.) will not operate within the College environment and some locations may be inaccessible.
The use of the network is also limited by the University Regulations and College Rules which dictate legal network use and use consistent with the operation of the College. For example the exchange of any music, movies or (illegal) software across the network is strictly forbidden, as is the use of any wireless equipment other than the University provided wireless network.
The rules are detailed here. Anyone abusing the Network will be disconnected.
Only current members of Balliol who have a University Card are eligible to use the College Network.
How do I get connected?
Follow the registration instructions below. You must have a "University Card" to be able to connect to the College network.
Use of the Network is taken as full agreement and understanding of the conditions.
How do I get help?
If you have problems setting up your computer to use the Internet we will help you. Your most accessible source of help will be other students, then we have both JCR and MCR Computer Officers and the staff of the Computing Department.
Note that whilst we will assist you to connect to the Network and will help counter virus infections, other problems with your computer remain your concern.