Network Access to AU Computer Services: An Introduction |
Aurora University
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The PCs at all AU campus locations are connected to local-area networks that provide direct access to a wide range of network applications. Many of the computer services provided by Aurora University are also available from off-campus locations using appropriate network access methods. The purpose of this guide is to briefly describe these methods and provide links to other documents that will help explain how to go about setting them up. In general these instructions apply only to computers running Microsoft operating systems. Contact Information Technology Services for assitance in setting up other platforms.
AU network services can be accessed by any of the following methods:
On-campus. Most AU-owned computers in staff offices and in public locations such as the computer labs and the library are connected directly to the network using standard ethernet wiring.
Residence hall network (ResNet). Students in the Aurora campus dorms can connect personally owned computers to ResNet, a segment of the AU network that provides dedicated bandwith and access to Internet services to resident students. For details see Connecting Your PC to the Residence Hall Network (TB25).
Wireless access. Wireless access is available from many locations on the Aurora campus. This includes properly configured user-owned wireless laptops, wireless laptops available for student and staff use in the library and special-purpose labs, and wireless machines assigned to faculty and staff members. Guest users (users who do not have an official AU account) can access the wireless network but have limited access rights.
Aurora University uses firewall technology and other security tools to control access to certain network services. This system allows certain types of network access but blocks others, depending on the access method, the type of service required, and the status of the user. The table below summarizes the allocation of access rights to most standard network applications. Note that many of these services require authorization and some require the use of special PC software. Most other specialized network applications not listed below, such as unsecured telnet and ftp, peer-to-peer file transfer, and some network gaming, are not supported.
Special note on corporate networks: For security and policy reasons some organizations apply restrictions to incoming and outgoing network traffic on their networks. If you are accessing the AU network from one of these locations you may find that certain AU services are unavailable. Information Technology Services staff can help identify the source of these problems: write itshelp@aurora.edu for assistance.
Access method AU mail server Novell Datatel WebAdvisor Moodle Intranet On-Campus wired Yes* Yes * Yes * Yes * Yes * Yes * Residence halls Webmail Only* No No Yes* Yes * No Off-campus access Yes* N/A N/A Yes* Yes * Yes * Wireless - authorized users Yes* No No Yes* Yes* Yes * Wireless - guest users No No No No No No * Password required