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Using A Laptop on the Camden Campus
Computing Services Information Document Networking

Introduction

Laptops that support Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) can connect to the Rutgers University Network (RUnet) at a variety of locations on campus.  Connecting to RUnet will also provide you with access to the Internet.  This service is useful for classroom presentations  where you need a computer that has to be connected to RUnet or the Internet.  It should be noted that if all the material needed for your presentation is on your computer's disk drive, you probably do not need to be on the network.  If that is the case, then you don't need to follow the steps outlined in this document.  There are currently four "common-access" areas where you may connect your laptop to RUnet on the Camden Campus:
  • Campus Center - Wireless access is available in certain areas throughout the Campus Center. Network access is obtained via a web based login. More information can be found in our Wireless documentation.
  • Robeson Library - Wireless access is available throughout all areas of the Robeson Library. Network access is obtained via a web based login. More information can be found in our Wireless documentation.
  • Law School - the Law School runs its own wireless and wired network access system for laptops.  Please consult the Law School's  Laptop Net page for more information.
  • Open Data Jacks - for general Rutgers community use, the open data jacks (open data jacks are marked with labels reading "active") may be found in Robeson Library around the outside walls in the open book shelves in the eastern section, Armitage Hall Lobby around the northern walls, BSB Room 110 along the north wall and in the I2 Lab, the Campus Center Lab next to the printer along the eastern wall [see above regarding Campus Center], and in the Dorm labs (both apartment and towers sides).
  • Classrooms - classrooms in Armitage Hall, Business & Science, Fine Arts, and Science contain data jacks that are configured for laptop use.
This document only addresses the connection and configuration of your laptop to the network.  You will need to supply any additional software, an ethernet adapter, and (if needed) a projection device.  If your laptop is not properly configured, it will not be able to connect to the network.
Although this document uses Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP to describe the configuration process, it is possible to configure other operating systems (like MacOS) to use the network on the Camden Campus.  Please contact help@camden.rutgers.edu for more information.

Ethernet Adapter

An ethernet adapter is needed in order to connect your laptop to a data jack.  The adapter may already be built into your laptop, or it may be on a card that is inserted into the PCMCIA slot on the side of your laptop.  You will also need an ethernet cable to connect the adapter to the data jack.   Ethernet plugs and sockets look like large phone plugs and sockets.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONNECT AN ETHERNET ADAPTER USING A PHONE CABLE.  Make sure that the cable you are using to connect to the network is stamped Category 5, Cat5, Category 5E, or Cat5E.

If your laptop did not come equipped with an ethernet adapter, then you will need to purchase one for your system.  Two common PCMCIA ethernet adapter models (under $50) that we have tested for use are:
  • Netgear FA410tx
  • D-Link DFE650

Please make sure when you are buying an ethernet card for your laptop that you get a PCMCIA card and not a PCI card.  PCI cards are designed to be installed in desktop computers and can not be installed into a laptop.  Contact Computing Services at 856-225-6274 for more information.

Accessing the Rutgers Network

Rutgers Camden now uses a login-based network access system that does not require registration in order for you to gain network access. You can access the network through wireless access or open data jacks in the dorms, Campus Center, Armitage Hall, and the Business and Science Building. In order to gain access to the network, simply open your browser to any webpage. You will be prompted for your login and password, which is your Rutgers NetID.

You are expected to abide by all the rules and regulations of the University as well as proper etiquette while attached to the network as explained in the Rutgers University  Appropriate Use Policy and Guidelines.

Configuring Your Laptop for Use on the Rutgers Network

  • Click on Start->Settings->Control Panel->Network
  • From the Configuration tab, highlight TCP/IP and then click on Properties.
  • Next, click on the IP Address tab and make sure that Obtain an IP address automatically is selected.
  • Click OK.  Now your system should be configured to obtain network access via a service called DHCP.
  • You may be prompted to insert your system CD and then reboot, follow the instructions in these prompts as they appear.
  • Faculty & Staff: If you plan to use your laptop in your office, you will need to get a static IP address and official host name for the system to use when it is connected to the network in your office..  You can contact Camden Computing Services to obtain the IP and hostname by sending email to: help@camden.rutgers.edu
  • If you are having difficulty, you can make an appointment to have Camden Computing Services set up networking on your system.  Please contact help@camden.rutgers.edu to set up an appointment.

Connecting to the Network

  • To begin with, make sure you have followed all the steps outlined above.
  • To make the physical connection between the network and your laptop's adapter, there should be an open ethernet cable present in all of the labs and classrooms. If you cannot find the cable, consult a lab assistant or staff member.
  • Connect the ethernet adapter in your laptop to the data jack using the ethernet cable.
  • Start your computer.  If you have properly configured your laptop, it should automatically connect to the network.  Launch your web browser and try going to a website. You should be prompted with a login screen. Your login and password is your Rutgers NetID.

Network Printing

  • If you would like information regarding how to setup your laptop to print to a campus printer (from either wireless or an open data jack), please read the Wireless and Open Data Jack Printing documentation.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

DHCP allows your computer to automatically obtain an IP address and connect to an ethernet network by talking to a DHCP server each time it starts up.  Without DHCP, you would need to manually enter all the necessary networking information (IP address, DNS servers, gateway, etc.) each time you moved your laptop to a different location on the network.   Most versions of Windows have built-in support for DHCP (Windows 3.1 does not), and an increasing number of other operating systems (MacOS, Linux, Solaris) also support DHCP.



Questions/comments regarding Camden Computing Services or this web site
can be directed to: help@camden.rutgers.edu.
Last updated: January 18, 2006, 11:30 EST.
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