Guide to UIUCnet

There are two primary ways to look at the UIUC network: from the user level down to the network, and from the network design level up to the users. The column on the left describes the view of the network which users interact with every day. The column on the right provides contact information and status information for network administrators.

User-side details

Large networks and subnetworks

• UIUCnet
  A high-speed network connecting nearly every departmental or college building on campus, available to students, faculty, and staff. For a basic overview, see "How Does Information Travel Across the Campus Network?"
• URHnet
  For residents of University residence halls.
• CSHnet
  For residents of some certified housing units.
• Office and departmental subnetworks
  Many office and departmental subnetworks are also designed and/or managed by CITES system and network administrators.
• How to check your computer's network use
  Some subnetworks on UIUCnet have restrictions on how much an individual computer can upload or download in a day. Unusually high network use (particularly at a time when you aren't using the computer) can also be a symptom of a security breach. Clicking on the link above will show the amount of off-campus network traffic generated by the computer you're currently using.

On-campus network access options

• UIUCnet Wireless
  Requires a wireless networking card, a NetID or network guest account, and use of UIUCnet QuickConnect or the VPN server.
• UIwpa2
  Requires a wireless networking card that supports the WPA2 security protocol and a NetID or network guest account.
• UI Public Wireless
  Provides short-term access for individuals who don't have NetIDs or guest accounts. Requires a laptop and a wireless networking card.
• Walkup Computing
  Requires a laptop, an Ethernet card, an Ethernet cable, and a NetID or network guest account.
• Network access maps
  Locations on campus that offer wireless networking, walkup computing, and/or CITES computer labs.

Off-campus network access options

• Virtual Private Network (VPN) server
  Provides security for wireless users and UIUC IP addresses for third-party ISP users.

Behind the scenes

Design

• Network Design Office (NDO)
  Consultation, design, and implementation of Local Area Networks (LANs) in campus-related buildings.
• Plant Engineering
  Designs and implements the communications infrastructure inside and between buildings on campus.

Operations

• Operations Center
  Supports existing CITES networks and services through monitoring, technical assistance, and problem tracking among the various CITES groups and University IT providers.
• CITES Status Page
  Announcements about scheduled and unscheduled service interruptions and progress reports.
• UIUCnet Network Status
  Real-time status page for current operation of UIUCnet network segments.

System service details

• Firewalls
  Four service plans allow network administrators to protect campus machines in different ways.
• More technical support provider resources
  Information, contacts, and resources for campus technical support providers.