Setting up a new Mac on the Campus Network

Note - This document refers to connecting a Mac to an ethernet point in a staff office, it does not describe how to use the numerous docking points around campus or in the halls - for that information go here.

In order to successfully connect you need the following pieces of information:

  • A network name for the Mac.This has to be unique so you should perform a search on the name you have chosen. If you get 0 results then the name hasn't been used and is ok for you to use for your Mac.

  • The Ethernet ID of the Mac (or MAC address as it is more commonly referred to). Instructions to find this can be found by following this link.

  • The serial number of the Mac (you should be able to find this either on the Mac or on the box it came in).

Registering your Mac

Before you can access the University network, your Mac must be registered. To do this, please contact your local computing officer.

Setting up your Mac

Select System Preferences from the Apple menu.

System Preferences option from the Apple menu

Select Network from the Internet & Network section.

System Preferences Menu

Continue by selecting Ethernet, from the list of ports, then set the Mac to Configure it's IP address Using DHCP as shown below.

Network preferences window

You now need to set some proxies so click the Advanced... button followed by the Proxies tab.

Firstly set both the Web Proxy (HTTP) and Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS) to wwwcache.ncl.ac.uk port 8080 as shown below:

Web Proxy settings window

Set the SOCKS Proxy to socks.ncl.ac.uk port 1080

SOCKS proxy settings window

Finally select OK then hit Apply to confirm the changes - your Mac should now be set up correctly.