Connecting to the Campus Network

If you have a computer on campus, there are many ways you can connect to the Internet at Illinois, including Ethernet-based wired connections inside the Residence Hall rooms and at walkup computing sites as well as wireless networking. This page will tell you what to expect and what you might need to bring with you to campus in order to connect to the campus network.

If you aren't planning on bringing a computer to campus, please visit the Not Bringing a Computer to Campus page for more information about the ways to access the Illinois network.

Connecting in the Residence Halls (URHnet)

If you live in the Residence Halls, you can connect your computer to the wired campus network from your room.
What you'll need to connect: You will need to have at least a 10mb Ethernet card (10baseT) to connect to the Internet from your dorm room. If you and your roommate are bringing a computer, you will both need to have a 15-foot to 25-foot standard Ethernet cable. This cable will allow you both to plug in to your room's wired network. Ethernet cables will be available to purchase in the University Residence Hall's Computer Centers for $4. For more information, please visit Housing's About URHnet page.

Wireless Networking

Wireless is available in the common areas of the residence halls and in most libraries and buildings on campus.
What you'll need to connect: If you own a laptop PC with a wireless Ethernet ("wi-fi") card (at least with support for 802.11b, but ideally, one with 802.11a, b, and g) or a Mac with an AirPort card, you can connect to the campus network at many locations around campus. For more information, please visit the UIUCnet Wireless Access page.

Walkup Computing

If you own a laptop computer with a network jack, you can connect to the campus network at many locations around campus, all you need is the proper cable.
What you'll need to connect: A laptop with a network jack and an RJ45 cable. For more information, please visit the Walkup Computing page.