Chapnet network access for Chapman Residents

Ethernet access to the Chapman University network is now available to all dorm residents except for those in Braden Hall. The following information is for students with computers running the Windows or Mac operating systems who want to take advantage of the fast ethernet connection when working online. This page contains information on the following:

• An explanation of the difference between an ethernet connection and a modem connection
• A list of what you will need in order to connect your computer to the ethernet port in your room
• A guide to installing ethernet access on your PC.
  If, after reading this guide, you have further questions regarding installation and configuration, or if you have a Macintosh computer, you may find additional information on the Chapman web site in the Self Help Guides, or you can call the Chapman Help Desk at (714)997-6600.

Ethernet vs. modem

Wired residence hall rooms may be equipped with two voice jacks and two data jacks. You can plug a telephone or a modem into a voice jack using a standard telephone cable. The data jacks are slightly larger than the voice jacks, and are to be used to connect an ethernet card in your computer to the campus ethernet network. The cable that you use to connect your computer to the data jack is similar to a telephone cable but the plug is slightly larger. (The plug on a data cable is called an RJ-45 plug, while the plug on a telephone cable is an RJ-11 plug). Please do NOT try to plug a telephone cable into a data jack. A comparison of the two jacks is shown below.

Using a modem, you can dial up a service provider (like Chapnet) and connect you computer to the Internet over the phone line. If you have only one phone line, then your phone will not work while you are online. Information is transmitted very fast over the Internet, but your computer can take this information in only as fast as your modem can handle it. Modems must translate the digital information from the computer into "sounds" that can be transmitted over the phone line, and then translate the "sounds" back into digital information at the other end. This slows down the rate at which information from the World Wide Web can be received over a modem. Also, Chapman has 96 modems and sometimes all of them are busy. If this is the case when you try to dial in to Chapnet, you will get a busy signal and will have to wait for an available phone line. Once the modem successfully completes a call and connects to Chapnet, the Chapnet server assigns a temporary Internet address, called an "IP address", to your computer.

When your computer is connected through the data jack, you have a direct digital connection to the Internet. There is no modem translation involved to slow down the flow of information. Your phone line is free and calls will still come in while you are online. In fact, once your computer is connected to Chapnet through the data jack, it is always "online". There is no need for you to turn anything on or off in order to go online.

Because your computer is directly connected to the Internet, it must have its own IP address. This is different from your userID which other people use in order to send you email. An IP address tells other computers on the Internet where to send the information that you request. We use a DHCP server that automatically assigns IP addresses your computer.

What you need to make an ethernet connection:

You will need to obtain the following items:

• An ethernet card, which is also known as a "Network Interface Card" or "NIC". Most modern computers have a network interface built in, but if yours does not, you may purchase a NIC for a nominal fee. A Netgear FA311 10/100 PCI Ethernet Card is available at Fry's Electronics for $16.99. Ethernet cards for Macintosh computers are also available.  If you have a notebook computer without an ethernet jack, ask your local computer store for a PCMCIA ethernet card.
• An ethernet cable. This looks like the phone cable that runs from your phone to the wall outlet, but the plugs on each end of the ethernet cable are a little bit wider. One end plugs into the NIC in the back of your computer and the other end plugs into the data jack in the wall in your room, usually under your built-in desk. You may purchase an ethernet cable from Fry's or from any other computer store for about $5.

Connecting your computer:

If you want some help with this part, try contacting Chapman Service Desk. To contact the help desk, send an email to helpdesk@chapman.edu or call extension 6600

If you want to try it on your own, here are the steps:

1. Find the directions for opening up your computer, which may be found in the user's manual or in your PC manufacturer's Help files. For example, Compaq computer directs users on how to open up the computer and find the expansion slots in Compaq Help. Print the Help file if you need it as a guide.
2. Turn off your computer and unplug everything from it first - keyboard, monitor, etc. - then open it.
3. Install the ethernet card according to the manufacturer's installation guide. The adapter card will fit into an expansion slot inside your computer. Once the card is installed it provides a jack for the ethernet cable which you will see on the back of the computer when you are finished.
4. Close the computer's cover and plug everything back into it.
5. Plug the ethernet cable into the computer and into the data jack in the wall.
6. Your ethernet card will probably come with a diskette containing software necessary to use the card. Install the software from the diskette according to the manufacturer's installation guide.
7. Follow the instructions here
8. Congratulations! You are now connected directly to the Internet. Open your browser and try your connection. You will not need to do anything else to go online at any time.