Objective
Following these steps will register and connect a wireless router for use ONLY in an MSU Housing location without MSUNet Wireless service.
Environment
N/A
Before You Begin
Using a router (or access point) where MSUNet (wireless) is available
A router (or access point) should not be used for a private wireless network in a residence hall where MSUNet wireless is available.
To use a router in such a location to share physical ethernet port access (for an Xbox console for instance), disable the wireless function of the router (radio off).
Understand your responsibilities when connecting to the campus network
If you use a router to connect your computers to the MSU network and the device is improperly connected and interferes with the campus network, you may lose your network access, per the Statement of Acceptable Use.
Also, be advised that the person who registers the connection over DHCP is liable for the activities of any system connected to that router. If someone, for instance, connects to your unsecured wireless router and illegally shares files on the network, your connection will be the one that is registered and deemed responsible for the offense.
Become knowledgeable about wireless security options
If you do not properly setup your wireless router you can encounter many problems using it on the campus network.
On many wireless routers, the default configuration is unsecured. If you do not properly secure it, your data can be intercepted and read over an unencrypted wireless connection. This can expose your personal data or cause you to be responsible for unauthorized use of the network that occurs through your wireless router.
Understanding wireless security and securing your system is critical! The user's guide of your wireless router will contain important information regarding the proper configuration of the router; you can also contact the manufacturer's technical support desk for further assistance.
Issues reaching the network with your router
Some routers by default are set to use their own DNS (Domain Name Service) or to "check in" with their manufacturer immediately upon connection to a network. Because the MSU Network requires that a device be registered for DHCP, additional steps have to be taken with these kinds of routers.
Browse to your browser's support site and follow the steps to do both of the following (when needed):
- Look up how to turn off the built-in DNS
- Look up how to set up the router without a network connection operating
Steps
- Register your computer first (without connecting to the wireless router) [RECOMMENDED]
- Before you attempt to setup a wireless router you should first make sure you can successfully connect and register your computer on the campus network directly.
- We highly recommend having the ability to connect your computer directly to ethernet for network troubleshooting purposes when needed. Support staff will not be able to effectively assist with MSU network connection issues unless a user is able to directly connect their computer to the ethernet port. An add-on ethernet accessory (Thunderbolt, dongle, USB) is recommended for computers lacking a built-in ethernet port.
- Plug your computer directly into the network jack and register it with dhcp (link).
- Properly secure and set up your router
Failure to secure your router may result in unauthorized access and potential illegal activity that will be attributed to your account
- The documentation or quick start guide of your wireless router should contain the basic information to set up and secure your router. If you have any problems with this step, you should contact the manufacturer of your wireless router for assistance. Some key items to consider:
- Change the default user name and password of your wireless router
Your wireless router ships with a default user name and password. If you do not change them, anyone can easily access your router, change all of the settings, and/or hack into your network.
- Change the SSID name of your wireless router
The SSID is how the device will appear to others looking for available wireless connections. It is a good idea to set this name to contain the room number and building of your router to avoid confusion with others in your location that may also be setting up a wireless router (for example, you can name your SSID "100 North Sparty Complex").
- Set the security for your wireless router
It is critical that you make your wireless connection a secure one. If you do not, others can use your connection and any actions they perform (like illegal file sharing) will appear to be performed by you. Instructions and advice for security settings for your wireless router are available in your installation manual (generally on your installation cd). Security methods include WEP, WPA and restricting by network (MAC) address.
WPA2 is the currently recommended security protocol for connection security and maximum connection speed (throughput).
- Connection type
When prompted for a connection type, select Dynamic or Automatically Assigned by your ISP
- Note regarding D-Link Routers
Many D-Link routers enable "Advanced DNS Service" by default, which is incompatible with our DHCP registration service. Disable this service to proceed with registering a D-Link router:
- Log in to the router.
- Click on the Manual Internet Connection Setup button found under the Setup tab.
- Scroll down to the Advanced DNS Service setting. UNCHECK Enable Advanced DNS Service (on some models) or any setting found related to DNS such as DNS Relay or static DNS.
- Click on the Save Settings button.
- Reboot the router and proceed with registration.
- Plug the wireless router into the campus network (Critical Step)
Connecting the wrong cables to the wrong ports on your router can cause the router to interfere with the campus network, putting you at risk of losing your network connection privileges until the problem is resolved. If you do not understand the correct ports in which to plug your cables to and from the wall jack and your computer, contact your router's manufacturer for technical support.
After properly setting the security and SSID for your wireless router you can plug it into the network jack. Look on the router for the connection labeled Modem, Ethernet, WAN or Internet - it is usually a different color and/or separated from the other 4 or 5 connections which are used to connect to your computer when a wired connection is required. On Apple Airport routers (Extreme/Express), the port is labeled with an icon of a circle of dots.
Connect your ethernet cable from the WAN/Internet port into the network wall port. Wait for a few minutes and then open a web browser.
- Register the wireless router on the network
- After connecting your properly secured router to the network, connect your computer to the router - preferably by connecting a second ethernet cable to one of the LAN or Computer labeled ports. Some routers such as the Airport Express are accessed strictly by wireless, but still have the appropriate security features available (see your instructions).
- Open your web browser and it should be automatically directed to a DHCP registration page. Complete the DHCP registration process to register your wireless router on the campus network. Completing registration at this point will register the router on the campus network.
- For location, enter the location of your router (room number and building) and for description, enter the brand name and basic description of your wireless router.
- Restart the wireless router and refresh your browser
- After you have successfully registered the wireless router, restart (power cycle) the wireless router, so it can obtain a new address on the campus network. Remove the power cord for for 30 seconds. Once you plug the power cord back in it may take a few minutes for the router to be ready for use after restarting.
- Close your web browser and reopen it a few minutes after you have powered your wireless router back on.
- At this point you should be able to visit an off-campus website to confirm that you have completed the previous steps correctly. If there are any problems, repeat the previous steps and/or contact the manufacturer of your wireless router.
- Disconnect the computer cable from the wireless router and attempt to connect wirelessly
- Disconnect the ethernet cable from your wireless router, restart the computer, and then follow the instructions of the manufacturer of your wireless router to connect to your wireless router over a wireless connection.
Additional Info
Guest access to your wireless
Certain brands and models of wireless routers such as the Cisco Valet allow a user to easily provide "guest access".
Turning on guest access is NOT recommended. An unexpected guest wireless network or login may be confusing to users in nearby rooms.