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
- Wireless in the residence halls
- The Wireless Networks at MIT - Use MIT Secure for the safest wireless connectivity experience.
- MacOS: How to connect to MIT SECURE wireless on macOS
- Windows 7: [archive:Windows 7 - How to connect to MIT SECURE wireless]
- Windows 10: Windows 10 and 11 - How to connect to MIT SECURE wireless
- iOS: Connecting to the MIT SECURE Wireless Networks on an iOS Device
- Android: Connecting Android to the Wireless Networks at MIT
- Ubuntu Linux: Ubuntu Linux - How to connect to MIT SECURE wireless
- For Guests: The MIT GUEST Wireless Network
- Eduroam (for when you're away from campus) Eduroam Landing Page
Wired Connection
Troubleshooting and FAQ's
- Problems connecting to the wireless network at MIT
- Common MITnet connection problems for end users at MIT
- Can I use a hub, mini-hub, switch, or broadband home router to put multiple machines on MITnet?
- Which devices cannot connect to MIT SECURE?
- Find out if that smart device isn’t quite smart enough for MIT’s wireless network
See Also
Additional escalation information for Help Staff can be found here:
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