Connecting Non-Computer Devices

Overview

When you connect a computer to the Brandeis network, you use a web browser to register it. Since many non-computer networked devices don't have a web browser, it's not possible to register them in the same way. Please follow the instructions below to register non-computer devices.

Wireless Devices

If your device supports wireless networking, it should work out of the box without any extra configuration. Just choose the brandeis_unet_wireless network and you should be all set. 

If your device doesn't work, we'll need some information about it to fix the problem. First, follow our instructions to find your device's MAC address. Then send an email with that address and a brief description of the situation to noc at brandeis dot edu.

Wired Devices

If your device plugs into a network jack like a phone or computer, you can register it online. Before you do, you should do the following:

• Follow our instructions to find your device's MAC address and make a note of it.
  
• Plug your device into an active network port and turn it on.
  

Note that not all network ports are active. Student residences usually only have one active port per resident. You can tell if a port is active by plugging your Brandeis phone into it. If the phone works, the port is active.

If you don't have anywhere to plug your device in, you can temporarily unplug your computer's network cable from the back of your phone and plug your device in there. For a more permanant solution, please continue reading.

Need Another Network Port?

Most Brandeis student residences only have one active network port per person. If you want to use a computer and another networked device at the same time, you may need to do one of the following.

• Have Brandeis activate another port in your room. This costs $50, may take several days, and will have to be repeated if you move to another dorm. LTS only officially supports this option, however.
• Buy a network switch from a third party, which will allow you to connect multiple devices to the network through your single wall jack. You can buy one online or from any major electronics store for around $25. You should use an ethernet switch, not a hub, router or gateway.

  The closest store to campus that carries switches is the Radio Shack at 110 River St. Once you have a switch, you should connect your devices in the following manner:

  • Connect your phone's SW port to the wall port and verify that the phone functions.
  • Connect the uplink port on your switch to the phone's PC port. If your phone stops working at this step, your switch is misconfigured. Unplug it and email noc at brandeis dot edu for assistance.
  • Connect your computer to another port on the switch.
  • Connect your other device to another port on the switch.

  LTS cannot provide official support for switches.

This page was last modified on: Jan 28, 2008