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315-859-4169
315-859-4185 (fax)

Network and Telecommunication Services

Frequently Asked Questions

 

FAQ

Related to physical hardware network connections

Related to computer configuration and setting up network connectivity

 

 

1. How do I physically connect my computer to the network?

Plug the Ethernet Cable (usually blue) from the network jack on the wall jack to the Ethernet card on your computer.

Make sure you are using an Etheret cable· Telephone cable connector ends are narrower (3/8”) and, carry four wires; there may be either two or four wires visible. · Ethernet cable connector ends are slightly wider (7/16”), carry eight wires; there may be either four or eight wires visible.

 

2. How do I identify the network wall jack from phone wall jack?

Verfiy if your Ethernet cable is plugged in to the correct jack. Most of the wall outlets have two jacks labeled for Data and Voice as shown.
Make sure that your cable is plugged in to the outlet labeled with the computer symbol for data.
 
 

3. How do I verify physical network connectivity?

 
Check if a link light is present on the Ethernet card. Trace the cable (mostly blue color) that comes from the network jack to the back of your desktop or the side of your laptop. There is usually a small orange or green light lit at the port that the cable connects to your desktop or laptop. Make sure that your computer is powered on and the cable is connected to the network jack prior to verifying. (Although most Ethernet cards do have the link light present there are some cards that does not display that). If you see a second LED light that blinks, it a good sign and indicates network activity.
 
 
 

5. What should I do if there is no network connectivity?

  • This includes narrowing down the problem to your computer. Enquire with your roomates if they are able to establish connectivity to the network. If they are not able to estabish network connectivity it could be a major network probelm. Please contact the ITS helpdesk at x4181 to report the problem with your network. Also check the network hotline at x4050 for network updates.
  • If they are able to connect experiment by connecting your computer/laptop to the wall outlet of your freind that can connect to the network. If your connection is established then it is the probelm of your network jack. Contact the ITS helpdesk at x4181 to report the problem with your network. Make sure you have the following information before you call.
  • If your friend can establish connectivity and you cannot establish connectivity even though you tried connecting to your friends network wall outlet then it is the problem of your computer.  

4. How can I connect more than one computer to the network?

To connect more than one computer to the network jack, you will need a network hub. You could borrow a network mini-hub from the ITS department located at the third floor of Burke Library (x4169).

5. What is a hub? How do I connect it?

A hub is a network device that extends the network so that you could connect more than one computer to the network jack. A network hub can be borrowed from the ITS department.

The packet that you will receive from ITS comes with the mini-hub and the power adapter.

Typical mini-hub

You could borrow either a 4 or an 8 port hub, depending on your need.

Follow the steps below to connect your mini-hub to the network

  • Connect the power adapter to the back of the mini-hub, the power indicator should turn on.
  • Verify if your hub has a button called Normal/uplink near the rightmost end. It is not necessary that your hub should have the Normal/uplink button. If you see the button, make sure you press the button inwards to set it to uplink.
  • Connect one end of the network cable to the port near the Normal/uplink button and the other end of the cable to the network jack on your wall. If your hub does not have the Normal/uplink push button, connect any port on the hub to the network jack outlet on the wall.
  • Connect the network cable to any of the remaining ports on the hub and the other end to your computer.

If you experience any problems please contact the ITS help desk at x 4181 or write to helpdesk@hamilton.edu  

You can e-mail the network services team at ns@hamilton.edu

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Audiovisual Services (x4231) Benefactor (x4633) Cable Television (x4120) Colleague (x5247) Computer Repair (x4171) Helpdesk (x4181) Instructional Support (x4877) Laptop Loaner (x4169) Network (x5638) Phones - Employees (x4160) Phones - Students (x4160) Training (x4178) Web Support (x4932)