Carleton provides high-speed wired network connections in most residential and academic spaces, including some shared-use spaces in the library and other academic buildings, for use by faculty, staff, students, and guests.  Active network ports are typically unmarked, except in the Library; if you are not sure which ports in your space are active, you will need to contact the ITS Helpdesk for assistance.

Getting Started

  • Most offices are equipped with two active wired network ports, typically on opposite walls. If you are a new employee, or changing from one office to another, please contact the ITS Helpdesk for assistance identifying the active ports.
  • Virtually every residential room is equipped with one active wired network port for each student living in the room. To use the network, just plug your computer into this port using a standard ethernet cable. If you don’t have one, you can pick one up at the ITS Helpdesk in the CMC.  For help identifying the active network ports in your room, please contact the ITS Helpdesk for assistance.
  • If you’re connecting to the residential wired network for the first time, you’ll be asked to register your computer on the Carleton network before you can proceed.

More Info

  • If your network connection isn’t working, the first thing to check is if you are plugged into an active network port.  Most Windows computers have a pair of lights called link lights – one orange, one green – near where you plug in the Ethernet cable.  If you’ve plugged in but those lights are dark, you’re probably using an inactive port and should try one of the other ports in the room.  If your link lights are blinking but you still can’t connect, you will need to contact the ITS Helpdesk at x5999 and describe the problem. You’ll be asked for the port number, which is found on a white sticker on the wall plate you’re plugged into and is usually a combination of the room number and a port number (e.g. CMC120-D1).
  • If your computer doesn’t have link lights, you should try connecting to other ports in the room.  Most rooms have multiple ports, only some of which are active. In most cases, there are two panels per room each of which has two ports. First, try the other port on the same panel, then try a port on the other panel.  After moving the cable to a different port, you will need to give your computer thirty seconds to a minute to recognize the change.
  • If your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port, the easiest solution is to connect to the Carleton wireless network; you can find information on how to do so at Connect to Carleton’s Wireless Network.  You can also purchase a USB Ethernet adapter from a number of stores; contact the ITS Helpdesk at x5999 if you need assistance with this.
  • If you have an active network connection but are unable to access the resources you need, your port may be configured on the wrong one of Carleton’s multiple wired networks.  Please contact the ITS Helpdesk at x5999 for further assistance.

Questions?

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