Connecting to the UNC Network - Getting Started

Wired and/or Wi-Fi (Wireless) networking should be available in all the on-campus residence halls, offices and classrooms. In order to access the network with your computer or other device, you will need to have the network card(s) registered and configured to communicate with our Networking DHCP server. This server will grant you access to the network via the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Hardware

Network cards fall into two categories: wired or wireless. A wired network card requires an RJ-45 Ethernet cable, which looks very similar, but larger, than a phone cable and plugs directly into a data jack typically labeled D-##. A Wi-Fi network card can either be integrated or inserted into a laptop's USB or PCMCIA slot. Also, it requires you to be within range of a UNC Wi-Fi Zone.

All CCI laptops come with both a Wi-Fi and wired network adapter built into the computer. If your computer or device did not come with a network card you will need to purchase a wired Ethernet card or a Wi-Fi network card before proceeding with these instructions.

Setup

Instructions for getting connected will depend on the type of Operating System installed on your computer or the type of device (e.g. Xbox 360, Pocket PC, iPhone, etc.) you are using. Our documentation will walk you through the following steps, all of which are required for you to get connected:

Step 1: Register your network card's adapter (MAC address) for DHCP.

Step 2: Configure your wired network card to communicate with our campus DHCP server.

Step 3: For wireless cards, determine what system or software you are using and find a wireless zone.

Step 4: Configure your Wi-Fi network card to access our secured Wi-Fi network.

Finally, once you are connected to the Internet, make sure that you are using the latest version of Symantec AntiVirus and that your operating system is up-to-date with all Microsoft patches.

Warning: Computers without the necessary patches and protection will be removed from our network in order to protect other users.

To get started, select your computer's operating system or device type below:

Operating Systems:

Devices:

If you are connecting with a Wi-Fi card and have already registered and configured it for DHCP, see the document Connecting to the UNC Network - Step 3: Wireless Setup.

If you need assistance with these instructions, contact us via one of the Other ITS Help Options.


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