Residence Hall Network

Accessing the ResHall Network

Configuring Your Computer :: Security Checklist :: Register Your Equipment :: Troubleshooting

Getting Started

All residence halls at the University of Nevada, Reno provide high-speed Internet access to students living on campus. Please read this information completely to determine if you meet the requirements to connect your computer to the network.

What You Need

To access the Residence Hall Network from your computer, you must have:

  • NetID — An activated NetID and password
  • A computer (PC or Mac) — You will need a computer that is running a supported and properly-configured operating system, as well as an Ethernet connection.
    • Most newer computers have a built-in Ethernet connection, check with your computer manufacturer or consult the manual that came with your computer if you are not sure if your computer has the proper connection. If you have an older computer or a computer that does not have a built-in Ethernet connection, you will need to purchase an Ethernet add-in card. Contact the Help Desk for more information.
    • The ResHall Network DOES NOT use dial-up networking or a modem bank. Many dial-up Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as AOL, MSN Internet, and Earthlink require special software on your computer that may affect your ability to connect to the Residence Hall Network. If you have problems connecting and have such software on your computer, you may need to remove it or contact the ISP's technical support team for help with proper configuration.
  • Patch Cable — A 6-foot, Category 5 (Cat5), Cat5e, or Cat6 Ethernet patch cable to connect your Ethernet card to the wall outlet. Cat5e or Cat6 are the best options.
    • Do not use cable that isn't labeled as Cat5, Cat5e or Cat6. Using such a cable can cause decreased and erratic performance, or prevent you from connecting to the network entirely.
    • Some Ethernet card manufacturers and computer manufacturers include a cable. Check the box contents.
    • Do not try to connect your computer to the wall outlet using a phone cord, as this will not work and could cause damage to your computer.
    • Do not place anything on top of the cable, or put the cable where it can be stepped on. This disrupts the internal structure of the cable and causes decreased performance and errors.
    • Avoid excessive lengths of cable (e.g., keep the cable under 20 feet).

Once you have the necessary equipment, you will need to register your computer and gaming devices on the network.

Approved Devices

The following devices are allowed on the Residence Hall Network. You will have to register each individual device to ensure approved access.

  • Personal Computers
  • Laptops
  • Gaming Consoles (such as Xbox, Playstation 2, etc.) to play online

The following devices are NOT ALLOWED to be plugged into the Residence Hall Network at any time:

  • Routers
  • Switches
  • Wireless Access Points
  • Firewalls
  • Hubs
  • Bridges
  • Computers running server-type processes such as DHCP, DNS, Web Servers, FTP Servers, etc.



If any unapproved device is detected on the network, your port will be shut off and you will lose access to the network. If you are unsure about whether a particular device is allowed on the network, contact the Help Desk for assistance.