FAQ - Network
My in-room connection doesn't work
The most common problem is not connecting the right kind of cable to the correct jack in the wall. You must have a CAT5 ethernet cable connected to the data jack in the wall. Resnet has provided all the campus residences with pre-installed bright orange network cables that should already be plugged into the correct jack in the wall without you having to worry about what kind of cable goes where. We highly recommend you never disconnect your ethernet cable from the wall. If you do have to plug an ethernet cable in be sure it gets plugged into the data jack, which should be labeled with a "D" (for data). Do not use the jack labeled "V" (for voice). If you need help with your in-room connection please call Resnet at (951) 827-6512.
I need help with my wireless connection
Student Computing Services handles wireless issues for the entire campus. You can reach their office by calling (951) 827-6495. Resnet can answer basic questions regarding wireless access, but most questions and issues should be directed to Student Computing Services.
Does Resnet monitor what I do on the network
Resnet does not monitor personal information on the network. We may, from time to time, monitor how busy the network is for troubleshooting purposes but we do not look at your private data. On occasion we are notified of illegal or questionable activity by an external organization and we are required to take action, however we do not release your name outside of Housing Services without a subpoena.
What is "bandwidth"
"Bandwidth" is a measure of how much data can be sent and received on the network. It is usually measured as some amount per second - usually referred to in terms of megabits per second (mbps) for large networks. Every email you send, every webpage you visit, every video you stream to your computer uses bandwidth. Everyone on the network shares a portion of the available bandwidth to the campus, and we try to ensure the bandwidth is equitably shared.
How much bandwidth does Resnet provide
UC Riverside's Resnet provides one of the largest internet connections to its residents out of any UC campus. We provide a 135mbps connection to the internet, plus we have a 1000mbps connection to the "Internet2" (a dedicated network developed by universities and large corporations such as Microsoft and Google).
Does Resnet monitor how much bandwidth I use
Resnet may choose to monitor bandwidth by looking directly at how much traffic your computer sends and receives on the Resnet portion of the network, or it may look only at the traffic that is leaving the campus. In general we do not monitor bandwidth unless there is clearly a problem with someone using "too much" bandwidth and it is causing problems for other uses on our network or on the campus.
How does Resnet control bandwidth
Resnet uses a "PacketShaper" device that prioritizes traffic based on whether the traffic is regular webpage traffic, multi-media files, games, or file sharing. Highest priority is given to webpages, while the lowest priority is given to file sharing. This allows us to ensure a high quality of service for the most important use of our network.
Why are file downloads so slow
The PacketShaper groups all file sharing into a fixed size pool of bandwidth and shares that across all users trying to use programs such as BitTorrent or other file sharing programs. When a lot of people are trying to share files it will cause everyone sharing files to slow down. If we didn't limit the amount of bandwidth available it would easily steal all the bandwidth from people trying to play games and surf the internet.
