Each residence hall room has a direct hookup to the Internet (and wireless access throughout the building), although you may need to purchase an SMC Ethernet card (10 BASE-T or 10/100 BASE-T) and an RJ45 connection cable. You also should bring a UL approved power strip with a built-in circuit breaker to use with the computer equipment. (See below for wireless Internet information.)
If both roommates would like to connect to the Internet, they must purchase a 5-port switch to allow them to connect two computers at once using one Ethernet connection in your residence hall room. (The Microsoft, D-Link, and Netgear switches are recommended for use with Ball State's networking system.)
The Ball State Computer Store sells
Residence Hall Network Packs to students at a discount. You may also purchase Ethernet cards and 5-port switches from computer stores or on the Internet. Be sure to purchase an Ethernet card using the specifications listed above. We encourage students and families to purchase and install Ethernet cards before coming to Ball State in the fall.
Please do not purchase a router in place of a 5-port switch. Some retailers may try to sell you a router as a substitute, but if you attempt to use one, it will not be compatible with our residence halls' networking equipment and may not allow other students in your residence hall to access the Internet.
Wireless Internet Access in Your Room To access the wireless network, a computer needs to be equipped with a wireless network card that is 802.11g or 802.11n compatible. Once a card is installed, appropriate settings need to be made. Please note that there are 802.11a cards on the market, but these will
not work with Ball State's wireless network.
We recommend a Cisco brand wireless card or Apple's built-in Airport card. These cards have been proven to provide more reliable service. They have the best signal and speed and have the highest power rating. Cisco cards provide the best support for roaming between access points without losing the signal. Because they provide such superior connectivity, Cisco cards are the only cards that will be fully supported by University Computing Services (UCS). Cisco cards are available to university employees and students at an educational discount. For assistance ordering one, contact UCS by calling 765-285-5967 or visit the
Ball State Computer Store.