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Using the Network in On-Campus Residences

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Overview

Undergraduate and graduate students at MIT living in dormitories have access to MITnet through a wired and wireless network connection in their dorm room. Each dorm room is equipped with at least one ethernet data port per resident and complete wireless coverage. Connecting to the network and internet is as easy as opening your computer, selecting the MIT wireless network or plugging in an ethernet cable, and following a quick registration process.

How to Obtain

1. Obtain a Computer

MIT Information Services and Technology recommends Intel-based PC systems and Apple computers and supports them with free anti-virus software, cables and connection assistance. The systems on the published recommended list have been tested by IS&T for compatibility with MITnet and with applications commonly used on campus (this list is updated regularly). Linux workstations can also be connected to MITnet.

2. Obtain a network cable or connect to the "MIT SECURE" wireless network

Network cables can be obtained from the IS&T Service Desk. You can request a cable by filling out a help request at http://ist.mit.edu/help. The MIT SECURE wireless network is a secured (encrypted) network which relies on your kerberos credentials, and is available in all dorms.

3. Register your computer

Most places on campus require that your computer's network interface card be registered on the MIT network in order for you to gain full access to MITnet and the internet.

  • When you try to visit any web pages in a building that requires registration, your computer will be automatically directed to the MIT registration page.
  • Simply select Student and enter your MIT kerberos username and password.
  • Registration will be completed in approximately 15 minutes.

More information about the MIT DHCP system can be found at DHCP Service at MIT.

4. Obtain and install anti-virus software

MIT recommended software is available at http://ist.mit.edu/software-hardware. MIT offers Sophos Antivirus and Crowdstrike Falcon free to students, staff and faculty members. If you have a trial version of another antivirus application already installed on your computer, you should remove it before installing the MIT supplied software.

How to Use

You can connect to MITnet using wireless or wired connections.

Wireless Connection

Wired Connection

Troubleshooting and FAQ's

See Also

Additional escalation information for Help Staff can be found here:
  • [hd:MIT Network Recon]

IS&T Contributions

Documentation and information provided by IS&T staff members


Last Modified:

May 02, 2023

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