This guide provides basic instructions for connecting a computer to the RMU network. It is intended for use as a reference guide for Resident Assistants so they may become familiar with the general steps necessary to connect a student's computer to the network.

Configuring DHCP (Windows XP)
RMU uses a DHCP addressing system for assigning network addresses to machines. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. DHCP is used to automatically assign an IP address to your computer for Internet compatibility and connectivity.

Access the Network control panel by going to Start | Control Panel | Network and Internet Connections | Network Connections. Right Click on the Local Area Connection icon and choose "Properties." The following window will open:

In order for you to connect to the Internet you need to have a protocol called TCP/IP installed on your machine. Most Ethernet cards install TCP/IP along with the drivers for the card, so you do not have to worry about installing TCP/IP.

    Note: If TCP\IP is listed in "This connection uses the following items" box 
             similar to the screenshot above, then there is no need to install it. If not, 
             follow the instructions below.

If you need to install TCP/IP, click the Install. This will open a window to Select Network Component Type. Select Protocol and click Add.

Select Microsoft TCP/IP version 6 from the Network Protocol box and click OK.

To configure TCP/IP, highlight the TCP/IP icon and click the Properties button. You will see the following screen. Be sure "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are both selected. Click OK.

Configuring DHCP (Macintosh OS X)

1. From the Apple Menu, choose System Preferences.
2. Select Network.
3. Set the location to "Automatic"
4. Set the Show (Configure) selection to "Built-in-Ethernet" as shown below.
   
   
   
5. In the Configure field within the TCP/IP window, select "Using DHCP" as shown below. The IP Address field will be automatically configured.
   
   
   
6. All other fields should be blank.
7. Click Apply Now to save the changes to your current configuration.
   

Resolving Common Connectivity Problems

1. Network adapter is not working properly.
   Ensure that your network adapter driver software is functioning properly. To do this you must go to the MS-DOS prompt and type IPCONFIG /ALL at the command prompt. The IP address of the PC will be listed. At the command prompt, type PING ip-address, where ip-address is the IP address (number) that was listed with the IPCONFIG command. If there is an error when you attempt to ping the IP address, there's a communication problem between the network adapter and the computer's operating system. Assuming the adapter is properly installed (physically), the problem is most likely with the driver software. To correct this, remove and reinstall the network adapter driver software through Control Panel/Network/Adapters.
   
   
2. TCP/IP is not configured properly.
   Ensure that TCP/IP is working properly by pinging the loopback address (127.0.0.1) at the command prompt. If you receive an error message at this point, TCP/IP is not properly installed. Remove and reinstall TCP/IP through Control Panel/Network.
   
   
3. RJ-45 ethernet cable not properly connected to wall Data jack.
   Ensure that you are using an Ethernet cable between the PC and the wall jack. We've had some cases where users are using a telephone cable to connect the Ethernet adapter. This will not work. Also, be sure that you are plugged into the Data jack in the wall. The data jack is marked with a "D".
   
   
4. If you can ping a computer by its IP address, but not by its name, you have a name resolution problem. Be sure the DNS server is available on the local network (PING 205.146.49.160). If the DNS server is not reachable, the client may experience long delays in host name resolution thus making the browser appear to malfunction.
   
   Try to PING and TRACERT to the following using both name and IP address:
• Robert-morris.edu (205.146.48.22)
• In-out.robert-morris.edu (205.146.48.17)


If the following are reachable, then the problem may be with the student's browser. In such a case, suggest that they reinstall or update their browser.

• Verio.net
• Ibm.com
• Netscape.com
  
  
5. Does the user have the correct default Gateway selected?
   Using WINIPCFG, verify that user has the correct default Gateway (205.146.50-53.1). If the user cannot ping their default gateway, verify that the gateway is connected to the network and functioning properly.
   
   
6. If necessary, reset IE to automatically connect through the LAN rather than a dial-up adapter. For this select TOOLS, Internet Options, Connections, LAN. Be certain that the student's PC has both unique Computer and Workgroup names (under Network settings).
   
   
7. If installed, remove File and Print Sharing (Network, Configuration-tab, File and Print Sharing button).
   
   
8. If installed, remove IPX/SPX and Netbeui from Network properties.
   
   
9. If installed, remove VPN and any AOL drivers (unless they MUST use AOL).
   
   
10. If using WIN95, user may need to download and install the Winsock 2 update for Windows 95 from Microsoft.com.
    
    
11. Verify persistent Route Table Entries. Type route print at the command prompt.
    
    
12. Are ARP cache entries correct?
    Clear the ARP cache. If an entry in the ARP cache is incorrect, IP datagrams may be sent to the wrong computer. To view the ARP cache, type arp -a at the command prompt. To remove an incorrect entry, type arp -d <IP address>.

If all else fails and you are not able to connect this student's PC, ask them to leave the PC powered-on with the Ethernet cable connected. Notify the IT Help Desk with the student's name and phone number, as well as the building, tower, room and port designation, and most importantly, the hardware address of the NIC.