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ResNet Policy

What you need to know about the ResNet service.


Policy


1 Overview

ResNet stands for the Residential Network service. This service, run by the Digital, Data & Technology Group, provides ethernet connections to University accommodation blocks, both on- and off-Campus. The connections provide access to almost all the facilities of the Campus network, plus restricted access to services on the Internet at large.

2 ResNet availability

DDaT does not guarantee the availability of ResNet in a particular room. Should ResNet be unavailable, DDaT's sole liability shall be the return of the fee paid by the user, if any. In this situation, if the user has bought a network card and/or cable from the Campus Computer Shop (IT Purchasing) then they will be bought back provided they are returned in good condition with all packaging.

3 Services provided

DDaT commit to making the following DDaT facilities available to users connecting to ResNet:

  • access to University email accounts and outgoing mail server
  • access to Campus web pages
  • printing to the Library printers
  • access to personal filespace on the University filestore
  • access to DDaT's computation servers via SSH and X
  • access to the World Wide Web
  • access to external email servers for receiving mail only (note that some ISPs will not permit connection to their mail servers over the Internet)

Outgoing connections to other Internet services may be possible, but DDaT does not make any guarantees. DDaT reserves the right to permit or block services not specifically listed above as is deemed necessary for security, bandwidth and legal reasons, to protect the service for the University as a whole.

4 Charging structure

The cost of ResNet service is included within the room rent charged by accommodation.

5 Technical details

Equipment connected to the wired ResNet ethernet network must support 10/100/1000baseT connection. DDaT does not guarantee connection with all network cards. The only protocol family supported by DDaT is TCP/IP. - Devices connected to ResNet must not run any software or send traffic to the network that might result in the impairment of the network service or interfere with other computers. This includes software such as:

  • DHCP servers
  • DNS servers
  • Routing protocols (e.g. OSPF, RIP)
  • Network discovery protocols
  • Internet Connection Sharing
  • Vulnerability scanners
  • Spanning Tree Protocol

Devices connected to ResNet must use DHCP to dynamically obtain configuration and should not attempt DDNS dynamic name server updates. Computers connected to ResNet must not have network fileshares that are writeable without a password. Computers running Windows connected to ResNet must have up-to-date anti-virus software installed at all times.

6 Terms & Conditions

(The word "you" in these Terms & Conditions refers to the user of ResNet.) Use of ResNet is subject to the DDaT Acceptable Use Policy. Important Note: Where the above regulations refer to restrictions on the use you may make of computers, these are referring to University-owned computers, and do not apply to privately-owned computers on ResNet other than as required by law. Where they refer to restrictions on services or network facilities (including email), they do apply to ResNet. In addition to the above please read: ResNet Terms & Conditions of Service

7 Installation

A ResNet setup service may be available at the Service Desk for computers running supported versions of Windows. This covers the following:

  • basic network configuration and registration of the PC on the network
  • connectivity to the University Web Server
  • connectivity to University Webmail
  • connectivity to External web pages, tested with a popular site such as BBC News, Google or Outlook

Users are responsible for making sure their computers are adequately backed up before installation takes place. Users must demonstrate to the technician that the computer is in working order before the technician touches the machine.

8 Support

The DDaT ResNet Team are only required to provide support for the process of connecting a computer to ResNet. This includes investigating problems with DDaT's equipment and software, and with RJ45 sockets and cables to users' rooms. It also includes email support of network software configuration problems experienced by the user. All such problems should be reported to resnet@bath.ac.uk Support is normally available Monday-Friday during working hours. Support for problems with users' computers connecting to ResNet may be available from the Service Desk. Under no circumstances must support issues be reported to the Campus Computer Shop (IT Purchasing).

9 Multiple computers & multiple occupancy

Generally, only one socket per room is provided, although some rooms may have more. A single unmanaged switch (to be purchased by the user) may be connected to provide additional ports if required. Regardless of the physical port arrangements, a maximum of 5 devices per user may be registered for connection. This limit is shared across the ResNet, docking and Legacy wireless services (but not Eduroam).

10 Resident Tutors

Resident Tutors are entitled to a ResNet connection for the duration of their tutorship, provided a connection is available in their room. All regulations apply normally.

11 Housekeepers & other Staff

The University network provides connections for a number of housekeepers and other University support staff. These connections are not considered part of ResNet and standard DDaT policies apply.

12 Cancellation

Cancellation of unused connections is not required.

13 Compensation

Claims for compensation due to lack of service of longer than one month should be raised with the Accommodation Office. Claims will only be considered for faults that have been reported to resnet@bath.ac.uk.

14 Dispute resolution

In case of a dispute between the ResNet administration and a user, the matter will be referred to the DDaT Assistant Director (Systems), who will hear both sides and make a decision which will be final.

15 Operational details

15.1 Application

ResNet connectivity is included as part of the accommodation package. There is no longer any need to make a separate application.

15.2 Patching

Some network sockets in residences may be unpatched. If a required socket is not patched (i.e. no link lights illuminate on a known-working network interface) users may log a call with the Service Desk including the room and socket number. A technician or an engineer will then visit the residence to patch it in. Patching should be completed within a week of the call being logged.

15.3 Registration

Before a computer can be used on ResNet, its MAC address must be registered in the ClearPass system. Unregistered devices are placed in a captive network, which will only be able to communicate with the registration server. The server will use DHCP, DNS and web server techniques to detect the MAC address and ensure that the user sees the Registration “captive portal” page.

The user will be required to fill in their username and password, and tick a box to state they accept the Terms & Conditions. Should the username and password match, and the user have available registration slots remaining, then their MAC address will be recorded and upon reconnection the device will be placed in a network with internet access.

For devices unable to display the captive portal page, registrations may also be made manually (via a system that already has campus network access) up to the 5-registration limit by visiting https://clearpass.bath.ac.uk. ResNet registrations are also valid for “docking” networks in non-residential parts of the University. As an alternative to registration, the network supports 802.1x authentication for appropriately configured devices.

15.4 Room moves

ResNet registrations are automatically portable between rooms, subject to a possible need to patch ports as per 15.2 in the new room.

15.5 Expiry

ResNet registrations last for a maximum of one year. At this time the device will revert to an unregistered status and the captive portal will reappear if the device supports it.

15.6 Disabling ports

Switch ports may be disabled by DD&T in cases of breaches of the Terms & Conditions of Service, or the Acceptable Use Policy. They may also be disabled at the request of the Accommodation Office if payment of fees to them is overdue.

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