Networking How-To

Note: this page applies to wired network access only. For wireless network access, please see our Wireless FAQ.

Connecting a computer to the EECS wired network is a four step process:

First, read and understand the network policies, configure your computer to minimize network vulnerabilities, and secure your computer against the latest threats.
Next, gather information about your computer and connection . If you need a wired connection, you will have to locate a network port. You’ll also need to provide other details including serial numbers and model information.
Register your computer with the IRIS DNS Administrator. After your registration is processed, you will receive e-mail containing configuration information needed to connect to the network.
Using the provided information, configure your machine to talk on the network.

Step One – Read the Network Policy and Secure your Computer

Devices connected to EECS Networks must abide by the IRIS Network Policy.

Many of the latest computer viruses and worms are constantly scanning the Internet for insecure machines. It is not safe to put your computer on the network until it is fully patched against all the latest threats and AntiVirus software is installed.

Step Two – Gather Information

Before you register your computer, gather some information. During the registration process, you will be asked the following:

For any connection, we need to know the MAC address (physical hardware Ethernet address) of the network interface.
You will be asked for various other information such as the serial number, manufacturer, model, etc. so it is a good idea to have it nearby before you start the registration process.
If you want to use a wired connection, you need to tell us where you want to plug in. Most rooms in Soda, Cory and Sutardja-Dai Halls have available network ports. Each port is uniquely identified by a “Cable ID” printed next to the port. You can use the IRIS Port Query form to research which ports are available in your location.

Tip: Try to find a port which is activated but which has no hosts assigned. You can use these ports immediately. Ports which are not activated can take up to 10 business days to activate. If you need to have a port activated, we have forms available on our website where you can submit your request.

Tip: You can connect more than one device to one network port. To do so, use the same port when registering each device and purchase a local switch from the Helpdesk.

Step Three – Register Your Computer

Now that you have collected the necessary information, you can complete the registration process. Visit the IRIS Network Page and click on Register a Device. The wizard will guide you through the registration process.

There is no charge to register a system. For basic DHCP clients on networks for which IRIS provides DHCP service, the request will be automatically approved and DHCP support will begin in 30 minutes or less. The on-screen message from the Device Registration form and the the email confirmation you receive will tell you if your request was automatically approved. In this case, proceed immediately to step four.

For more complicated requests (such as fixed-ip requests or requests for unusual equipment), the request will be processed by the IRIS DNS Administrator within 2 business days, and you will receive a second email when your request is complete. Requests which require a new port activation can take up to an additional two weeks. Once the DNS Administrator has confirmed the registration, proceed to step four.

Step Four – Configure Your Machine

Configuring your machine with the information provided by the DNS Administrator is largely left as an exercise to the reader.

If you configure your machine to be a DHCP client, it should Just Work™.

If you need help, we recommend you contact the department’s Computer User Support Group, whose services are available on a recharge basis.