Networks & Communications covers everything to do with the campus computer network and telephone services. The campus network covers all the buildings on the main campus, most halls of residence and a number of remote University sites such as the Dove Marine laboratory, International Center for Life and the General Hospital. All members of the University can connect to the campus network, so long as they meet the requirements to connect. There are essentially three different types of user, staff, students and visitors, which determines how users are allowed to connectYou can navigate to all sub-sections using the menus on the left, or use the shortcuts below to the most frequently used sections.
Connecting your personal computer
The Docking Service allows you to connect your personal computer to the campus network, using wireless or the docking points found on campus and in student bedrooms in halls. Since allowing personal machines onto the network is a prime source for computer viruses this method of connecting makes use of a Virtual Private Network which provides protection via a firewall. You should follow the instructions given on the Connect web site. If you have any problems connecting to the network you should check the help page for the procedure you need to follow.
Connecting a University computer
Staff can connect a computer to the campus network through their schools computing officer but must make sure they are kept updated with the latest security patches. The simplest way to ensure a machine kept updated is to use the Campus Managed Desktop which is the recommended installation. Instructions how to configure your computer are given on the Connect web site where you can also wake your computer remotely and monitor power usage of machines assigned to you. Staff can also use the wireless service. Postgraduate Research students can connect machines as if they were staff with permission from their head of school.
Visitors
Visitors from other Universities can use the EduRoam service to connect to the network, also the Guest Wireless service allows access to short term visitors.
Reporting a fault
If you have a fault with your network connection or your phone you should report the fault to the IT Service Desk where a ticket will be raised.
Security
Any computer without the recommended security patches or that has contracted a computer virus will be blocked from the network. See the ISS advice on computer security for a summary of what you should do if your computer is blocked. Any machines found by the Security team to be infected by a virus or unpatched will be blocked or removed from the network until the problem is fixed. If you have any problems connecting to the campus network, first check the Frequently Asked Questions to see if your problem has a well known solution. If not then send an email message to the it.servicedesk@ncl.ac.uk with details of the problem.