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What do I need to connect to the Internet over Ethernet?
You must have a personal computer with:
Connections are available in residence hall rooms, some university apartments, and many public locations across campus like the MSU Library.
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How do I go about purchasing an Ethernet card for my computer?
If your computer does not already have an ethernet card built-in, you can purchase a network card at many local computer dealers. You can also purchase a network card at the MSU Tech Store (link). The MSU Tech Store is located in room 110 of the Computer Center and is generally open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every Monday through Friday and may be reached at (517) 432-0700.
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Where can I get a network card installed in my computer?
Network cards can be installed in your computer from many local computer dealers around town or at the MSU Help and Repair Center (link) in room 120 of the Computer Center. They are available from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every Monday through Friday, and may be reached at (517) 353-5266. There may be a charge for this service.
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How many ethernet ports are available in my room?
Usually there is one port for each resident (unless the room is being used temporarily for transitional housing). Rooms are usually set up as one of the following:
- Single (one port).
- Double (two ports).
- Quad (four ports; one in each bedroom, two in the common area).
What if I can't find my ethernet port?
Reach out to your building's facilities management team by using their Maintenance Request Form (link).
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What do I need to do to register my computer on the campus network?
After you have set up your network card correctly, open a web browser to https://dhcp.msu.edu (link). If you need assistance please contact the MSU IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200.
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What do I do if I can't get my connection to work in my residence hall room?
Call the MSU IT Service Desk (link) at (517) 432-6200 for assistance. Consultants are able to diagnose most problems over the phone but if it is determined that there is a problem with the ethernet port in your room a technician may be dispatched for repair.
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I live in a wired residence hall on campus. Am I required to use Ethernet on my computer?
All of our residence halls have MSUNet 3.0 wireless available throughout. So it is your choice whether to use the Ethernet network in your residence hall to connect or use wireless.
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How fast should my internet connection be?
Residence Halls and University Apartments can obtain speeds up to 100 Mbps. Spartan Village cable modem users may receive slower speeds, though residents in Spartan Village apartments using direct computer-to-wall connections should also obtain speeds comparable to the Residence Halls.
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I believe I know of someone violating MSU's Statement of Acceptable Use; what do I do?
Email your information to abuse@msu.edu (link). Information about MSU's Statement of Acceptable Use is available at https://tech.msu.edu/about/guidelines-policies/aup/ (link).
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Can I use a switch, hub, access point, or a router to hook up multiple computers to my residence hall connection?
Because MSUNet 3.0 wireless is available throughout our residence halls, a personal wireless network is not recommended. Note that that if the router, hub, or switch is improperly connected and interfering with the campus network, you may lose your network access. Please contact the product's manufacturer for support with these devices.
When using a switch, hub, or access point, you will need to register each computer through the DHCP Registration Site (link).
In the case of a router, you will only need to register via the DHCP Registration Site (link) once from any of the computers that are connected to the router. Be advised, however, that the person who registers the connection over DHCP will be liable for the activities of any computer or system connected to that router.
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May I connect a Playstation, Xbox or other gaming system to my network port?
The use of gaming systems is not expressly prohibited on the residence hall network but MSU does not provide support or troubleshooting for their use.
All game systems must be registered to be used on the MSU campus network. If the device does not have a built-in browser, you can log in to DHCP and register it manually. Please see How to Register Your Device for DHCP and Get Connected to MSU's Network (link).
If you use a router you are responsible for any network activity that is generated through the router. If one of the game systems you connect to the router misbehaves or causes network disruption your connection may be terminated.
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Can I host gaming services that require that a port be opened?
No, restricted ports will not be opened to allow for use by gaming services.
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