<p>Hey I am an incoming freshman and am living in Birnkrant. Does anyone know what the internet connection situation is? I remember people asking at orientation but I couldn't remember what the answer was. Is there wireless?</p>
<p>-Beck
Fight On</p>
<p>The Administration group told us during Orientation that all dorm rooms including Birnkrant have hard-wired Ethernet LAN connections, so you are guranteed an Internet connection via your NIC card. However, they said that there are hot spots due to certain dorms being close to wi-fi transmitters. Since Leavy Library is closest to Birnkrant, and we have heard that Leavy has wi-fi, then it is "possible" that you will be able to access the SC network via a wireless card from within Birnkrant. However, the school probably will not gurantee the wireless connection. If you have a laptop, most come with both LAN interfaces any way (NIC card, and Wireless). You'll be fine.</p>
<p>Thank you. I have a MacBook Pro which is set up for wireless. I am just wondering if I am going to have to buy an ethernet cable. I don't want to move in on the 16th and then have to run out and get a cable.</p>
<p>If you go here: <a href="http://www.usc.edu/its/wireless/wireless_locations.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.usc.edu/its/wireless/wireless_locations.html</a> on the right side under "In this section" there's a link to the map that shows wireless coverage on campus.</p>
<p>You should be able to get wireless most places, though sometimes the signal is spotty in areas. I don't know in particular for birnkrant.</p>
<p>If you already have a cable, or if it's easy to run out and buy one now, then you should probably bring one as it's useful to have one around and the wired internet connection is much faster and more reliable. If you can't bring one, the bookstore carrys them (though the price might be a little higher than a regular computer store)</p>
<p>to access, you just have to turn airport on and the network is called "USC Wireless". You should be able to access it without WEP or having to register your MAC address; once you connect you'll be directed to a login page where you have to login with your USC username and password (one of the reasons why wired is better, you don't have to keep logging in) </p>
<p>Then you'll be on the internet - though your connection is unsecured. If you want to access protected USC sites, or have a secure connection, you will have to set up your mac to use the USC VPN (you don't need the USC VPN client; the regular mac vpn software is sufficent)</p>
<p>The map was really helpfull thank you. However it looks like Birnkrant doesn't have wireless coverage!!! Oh well. Thanks for the help guys.</p>
<p>Ok so if I want a wired connection, I can just bring an ethernet cable with me? Where will I plug it in, do the dorm rooms have plugs for that? (i'm not very "techno")</p>
<p>Trojan hall still sucks, but at least i know it has wireless</p>
<p>You could have a bunch of guys co-op with you on a wireless router</p>
<p>I don't think so. You'll have to check to see if policies have changed, but last I checked they don't like you plugging in routers etc.</p>
<p>So put it under something. If they catch it, just say "Oh sorry, I'll get rid of it" and put it in another room.</p>
<p>At Orientation, they made a pretty strong statement against putting in your own router. Wait till you move in, and see if some of the nearby wifi hot spots will reach your room. You might be pleasantly surprised.</p>
<p>bmanbs2: I don't think it is simply a matter of physically "hiding' the router. From what I reaad and know about, you register your computer's LAN connection (called a MAC address - not the same as an Apple Macintosh). I believe the IT systems just refuse you access to the USC network. Also, an Ethernet cable is very cheap. I'd probably just bring one along.</p>
<p>Do they have places around campus and in the dorms to plug in the Ethernet cable?</p>
<p>Yes, in USC housing there is one ethernet jack and one telephone jack per bed in the room. Connecting to ethernet requires a simple RJ-45 ethernet cable. Be aware that you may need a long cord (14-25') depending on where the jack is relative to your desk.</p>
<p>There are also ethernet jacks in common areas such as the library, though wireless is far more popular in these areas.</p>
<p>I heard the same warning against using a router. If your ethernet jack is providing a network connection to more than one MAC address, I believe ISD can block that jack. Despite the warnings, I still have seen "rogue" wireless access points around campus with my laptop.</p>
<p>Oh, yeah, they can tell what you have plugged in. They can even determine the manufacturer of your network card over the ethernet. </p>
<p>Don't try to "test" ISD/ITS. They have their policies very clear and enforcement is automatic. Unless you're causing serious or repeated trouble, the computer handles everything automatically, sending you a warning email and/or temporarily disabling your jack. It's just a slap on the wrist but it's better to avoid that. :)</p>