Get Connected

Connecting network cables

One of the first things you will want to do is get connected. This is usually a simple process, as the majority of Windows computers have an Ethernet port, and as all Apple computers do. You should be able to locate it fairly quickly, the port looks like the one used for a telephone, but is slightly wider. It is important to know the difference. If you try to use a phone cable (RJ11) you may break both the jack on the wall and your computers Ethernet port.

The jack on the wall for your Ethernet Cable will be labeled as a red abstract picture depicting a computer.

Each room has at least one Ethernet connection per person. If you are in a triple room situation you may encounter a Splitter already plugged into the jack. If you do not have a splitter then you can just plug you Ethernet Cable (RJ45) into an open Ethernet jack on the wall. If you have a Splitter, all you need to do is plug the end of your Ethernet Cable (RJ45) into an open port on the Splitter. Then proceed with turning on your computer.

Note:

Computer engineers often refer to the cable that fits the Ethernet port as a Category 5 Ethernet Cable (RJ-45) and the cable for the phone phone port as an RJ-11 cable. The university does not provide these cables, but you can find them at the Rider University Store and at many department stores.

Windows XP Connection

Most computers running Windows XP can connect to the RiderNet without any modifications. If you cannot connect to our network, follow these steps.

  1. Find the Start Button at the bottom of the screen and click on it.
  2. Next select the option to open the Control Panel.
  3. Click on the Network and Internet Connections.
  4. Right-click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.
  5. In the Local Area Connection window, check that the following network components are installed and marked off:
  6. Client for Microsoft Networks Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)##If any of the above are missing you can install them by following the steps below.
  7. Within the Local Area Connection Properties window select Internet
  8. Protocol (TCP/IP), and click the Properties button.
  9. Obtain an IP address automatically should be
  10. selected along with Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  11. Click the OK button.
  12. Click OK to exit the Local Area Connection Properties window.

(You may need to restart your computer)

Macintosh OS X Connection

  1. In the Finder, open the Apple menu, and select System Preferences.
  2. Click on Network
  3. In n the Network window, click Built-in Ethernet and under the TCP/IP tab, select DHCP from the drop down menu.

Registering with NetReg

Resident students are required to register their computer before accessing the Internet. You should be directed to register your computer with the network the first time you open a Web browser. Please be sure to follow all of the directions listed on the registration page, and to read all of the information that is given to you.

You will need your EasyPass account and password to complete the registration process. Obviously, if you have forgotten your EasyPass account information, you will need to look it up on another computer using the instructions in the section on EasyPass. You could also go to the RiderNet HelpDesk, and present your Bronc ID card.

During the NetReg registration process, you may be instructed to update your computer’s software or address vulnerabilities in your computer’s security. In most cases, following the online prompts will complete the registration process. The NetReg process may fail if your computer’s Operating System has been infected with spyware or a virus. Student computers, which have been compromised by a virus, spyware or other form of malicious code, are not permitted on the network. It is the student’s responsibility to remove malicious programs and take steps to prevent infection.

Students may register a total of three computers on campus. For questions regarding the NetReg process, please contact the HelpDesk.

Engaging your Firewall

A firewall protects your computer from unauthorized access. Enabling it is the first thing you should do after you register your computer with NetReg.

Windows XP:

  • Click on the Start button and go to the Control Panels.
  • Select Network and Internet Connections from the Control Panel Window.
  • Click on Network Connections.
  • Right-click on the Local Area Connection.
  • Select properties.
  • Under the advanced tab, make sure that the check box under Internet Connection Firewall is selected.
  • Click OK.

Macintosh OS X

  • In the Finder, open the Apple menu, and select System Preferences.
  • Click on Sharing
  • From the Firewall tab, click Start.
  • Registering game consoles is a manual process. Please contact the HelpDesk with the make and model of your console. Also include your MAC address, if known.

NoWires, Rider’s 802.11b wireless network

NoWires is the university’s 802.11b wireless network, and operates as an extension of the wired Ethernet network. Wireless access is not general throughout the campus, but is available in areas specifically identified with a NoWires sign.

NoWires zones:

  • Lawrenceville Campus:
  • Moore Library- 2nd Floor – common seating area near Presentation Room, Ground Floor/CCS, Presidents Conference Room,
  • Bart Ludeke Center- Cranberry Café and Information Desk areas
  • Sweigart Hall - Rooms 110,117,118,119 and the Ernst & Young Lab (3rd Floor)
  • Memorial Hall - Common seating areas
  • Daly’s- Main Dining Hall and Bronc Diner
  • Science Building - Bristol Myers Squibb Center
  • Gee, Wright, Lincoln and Kroner Residence Hall lounges
  • Princeton Campus:
  • Talbott Library
  • Thayer Lounge in the student center
  • Dining hall in the student center

Connecting to NoWires
To connect to NoWires, bring your computer to a designated wireless zone and follow the instructions below.

Windows XP

  1. Click the Start button, and select Control Panel. Select Network connections.
  2. Right-Click on Wireless Network Connection, and select Properties.
  3. Under the Wireless Network tab make sure that Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings is selected.
  4. When in Range of a Wireless Access Point. Nowires should be automatically identified as an available network.
  5. To connect to Nowires follow the steps below:
    Open Microsoft Internet Explorer.
    You will automatically be brought to a site where you will enter you Easypass Account name and password.
  6. After logging in you will automatically be brought to your homepage of choice.

Macintosh OS X (Airport)

  • In the Finder, open the Apple menu, and select System Preferences.
  • Click on Network
  • In n the Network window, click Built-in Ethernet and under the TCP/IP tab, select Join network with the best signal.
  • Click Apply Now