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Connecting your computer to the University network

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Advance information for students bringing a laptop or PC to campus

You can connect your computer to the Internet through the Campus Network, which is part of the Joint Academic Network (JANET).

  • To access the campus network (and other University computer facilities) you need to have completed your registration: see Registration and Login Name.
  • You'll also need to configure your computer and set up a VPN – visit the Connect website.)
  • Finally, you need to be aware of the relationship between the University's campus network and the Internet: see the page Campus Network.
But don't forget ...

You don't actually need your own computer! There are well over a thousand PCs, in almost 40 computer clusters around campus, you may use any of these PCs if they are not in use for teaching. All are equipped with academic and Internet software, and connected to the same fast campus network.

Registration processes

Before you can use any University IT facilities you need to complete your Registration as a student with the University; you'll also need your University Login Name and password.

New students normally pre-register with the University (see the Pre-Arrival page).

One Login, two passwords

Having pre-registered, you will know that you have one Login Name (e.g. "b9987654") and two passwords:

  • Your main password was sent via letter or email with your Login Name; it's used to access almost all University computer services.
  • The second password, sent to your Univeristy email address, is only used for the S3P Student Self Service Portal, where you register for your course, pay fees and select modules.

It is your "main" password, that you will use for connecting your own computer to the Internet through the campus network.

See also Documentation.

 

Documents about connection

 
IT for students
The booklet "IT Services for Students" is given out with your University Smartcard at Registration. The handbook tells you everything you need to know about the University IT facilities.

Connect to the Internet
When you first try to connect your computer, open your web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) and go to http://connect.ncl.ac.uk: that page tells you what you need to do.

 
Rules of Use
Remember, when connecting to the Internet and campus network, you are subject to the University’s Conditions of Use. Failure to comply may result in access to IT facilities being withdrawn without notice.

Physical requirements

Network points (docking stations, cable connections)

  1. Any modern computer will almost certainly meet these specifications: we list them here for checking, in case you have a problem.
  2. Your computer needs an Ethernet network card/connector (if you already use broadband via a cable, it probably has such a card, but see point 3).
    The technical specification is "RJ-45", and 10Mbps or 100Mbps (or better) with auto-negotiation.
  3. At home, some people may use a USB modem to connect to broadband: USB modems are not used at the University.
  4. The Halls of Residence provide a cable in each connected room, for use with the Ethernet connector: you should use only that Ethernet cable.
    This cable remains the property of the Hall of Residence.
  5. Note for "techies": you may use a mini-hub or switch instead of a computer in order to connect more than one machine, but you must not attempt to run any service that could disrupt other users. (See the advice at this page.)

How do I get online?

Almost all rooms in Halls have a plug-in docking point which gives access to the Internet through the campus network. Wireless is also widely available across campus.

Using the Internet in Halls

  • Plug your computer into the docking point in your room using the network cable provided.
  • Start your web browser and go to http://connect.ncl.ac.uk
  • Follow the online instructions to setup a VPN and connect using a docking point.

Connect to wireless

Wireless access is generally not available in Halls, but it is widely available on the University campus

  • Search for available WiFi networks on your device.
  • If wireless is in range, select ncl-uni-wifi-setup from the list.
  • Start your web browser and go to http://connect.ncl.ac.uk
  • Follow the instructions to connect to wireless (newcastle-university).

 

 

 

 

Operating systems supported for connection

By "supported" we mean that we will make every effort to assist you in connecting your system with the campus network.

Windows PC
The systems supported by ISS are Windows XP, SP 2/3 (Service Packs 2 or 3) Vista and Windows 7
ISS do not support any system older than XP(SP2), although we may suggest advice.
Apple Macintosh
We support Mac OSX
Mac OS9 is not supported, although we may suggest advice.
Linux
We can suggest advice to Linux users.

What software do you need?

You may need to buy no software at all for your University work:

  • No matter what kind of computer you own — PC, Macintosh or Linux— the Remote Application Service (RAS) provides you with a "University PC" on your own desktop, no matter where you are on the Internet.
  • The most popular IT applciations are those provided in Microsoft Office. Microsoft give very generous discounts to students: look out for adverts for "The Ultimate Steal" after the start of term.

RAS

RAS provides access to most of the software used at the University for teaching courses (exceptions are certain specialized software packages); it also gives direct access to your University filestore, ISS printers and to internal (private) University websites.

Find out more about RAS.

Special deals on software

If you wish to purchase software for your own computer, you may find special deals for students. For example:

Connection locations

Docking points

Almost all rooms in Halls have a plug-in docking point which gives access to the Internet through the campus network.

When your computer is configured for use in Hall, you can also use the cable docking points on the main campus.

Please do not attempt to use the points used by fixed University computers.

Wireless access

Wireless is widely available across the main University campus.

Wireless coverage is limited in Halls because residential buildings have a dense construction and therefore a great number of wireless stations would be needed. Because almost every room has a high-speed cable connection, wireless is provided only where the cost/benefit is appropriate. For example: some common rooms in Halls have wireless.

The Campus Network and the Internet

The campus network is connected to the UK's Joint Academic Network JANET, which in turn provides access to the Internet.

The speed of the academic network is much faster than the standard services provided by ISPs.

A private network

It's important to understand that this is the University's private network: the University and JANET place conditions upon its use:

  • Your computer needs to be configured properly, as described at the Connect website.
  • There are Rules governing the use of the network. You agree to abide by these Rules when you complete Registration.