Will My Computer Work on Bethel's Network?

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A: While Bethel University does not restrict 802.1x viable computers from accessing the network we do carry a hardware and Operating System requirement for support. These requirements can be found in our ResNet support policy.

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A: 802.1x is a form of secure port-based authenticated network access for both wired and wireless network connections. Bethel University implemented this system on ResNet in the Fall of 2008 to provide secure network access for students living in ResNet. For detailed information please see Wikipedia's entry on the 802.1x protocol.

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A: Currently ITS has 802.1x configuration documents for the following Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, Seven and Mac OSX 10.4, 10.5, 10.6. If you have a OS that is not listed - such as Linux - this does not mean your computer will not work on our network, only that ITS does not provide the configuration resources to do so. Please see our network configuration page for details and instructions on setting up your computer.

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A: ITS strongly recommends that before you come to campus your computer is up-to-date with the latest security updates, hotfixes and services packs. Although all the updates are not always needed to get connected to our network it is important to keep your machine up-to-date to keep you safe on the network.

For wireless user's its a good idea to verify that your wireless adapter and computer's OS supports the WPA2 security protocol.

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A: No. ITS does not provide connection support for these devices. This includes wired/wireless routers, hubs, network switches and other similar networking equipment. These are better left at home since these devices will not work in our 802.1x network environment.

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A: Yes! Although ITS cannot directly support your console we can and will help you setup Internet Connection Sharing (or ICS) on your Windows-based computer. The ICS instructions provided on our network configuration page should work with the following devices listed below.

• ICS for DVRs
• ICS for Xbox and Xbox 360
• ICS for PS2 and PS3
• ICS for Nintendo Wii (note: this requires the Nintendo USB to ethernet adapter or a wireless card in your computer to work properly).

*Currently we do not support this in Macintosh OS X due to a bug in the software that keeps 802.1x connections from being shared out to other deviecs.

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A: Bethel provides full wireless network access in the following residences in ResNet. Although there is wireless available in these locations ITS recommends that Lissner and Chalberg residents bring a ethernet cord to campus to use in for wired ethernet access which can often provide a faster and more reliable connection.

• Lissner
• North Village (wireless only)
• Chalberg
• Seminary Village (wireless only)

Bethel provides wireless access points in the main lounge, shacks and in certain locations near the Resident Director's apartment in the following residences in ResNet. For these locations it is important to bring a ethernet cord when you come to campus. If you forget you can purchase one from Computer Village once you are on campus.

• Arden Village West
• Arden Village East
  
• Bodien
• Edgren
• Fountain Terrace (building 751)
  
• Getsch
• Heritage
• Nelson

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A: Yes. All of Bethel University (St. Paul campus) academic buildings are covered by wireless network access as well as the Seminary Library.

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A: Please contact the ITS Student Services Help Desk if you need help or clarification about how your computer will work at Bethel or if you would like guidance prior to purchasing a new computer. You can reach us by phone or email:

(651) 638-6500, option 2 or 1-800-255-8706, ext. #6500
stu-helpdesk@bethel.edu