Student FAQs - Wired Network

How can I get an Internet connection from the Columbia University Medical Center dorms?

To get a desktop computer connected from the dorms, please follow the steps found on our Student Residential Network page.

If you are housed in Bard Hall, or are a student with a laptop and you will be using the wired network at CUMC, please submit this online form to register via the new Bradford Tool.

What is Bradford Campus Manager?

Bradford Campus Manager is new software being implemented to help provide fast registration for wired connectivity on campus. It is currently active at Bard Hall housing for student computers that plug into the wired network there. Registration involves submitting an online form and running a small, non-permanent program to quickly scan the computer for basic security requirements: current operating system updates and current, working antivirus and antispyware programs.

Please see the Bradford Policy and Bradford Steps pages as well as the FAQs below for more information.

Who should register via Bradford Campus Manager?

All student computers located at Bradford-enabled locations (you will be directed to the registration form if your computer hasn't yet registered via Bradford), and any student laptop.

Faculty and Staff computers must not register via the Bradford form or they risk immediately losing access to vital resources such as department network drives and shared applications.

What can I do before I arrive on campus?

What should I do if I get an error message from Bradford?

Read the message carefully. You will see a results page that will tell you specifically why the registration failed or if there are other types of errors. If registration failed for your computer due to it not having required security programs installed or updated, you will be able to go to web sites such as Windows Update and the Columbia licensed version of Symantec to be able to download and install them; other sites will not be available until you have successfully registered. After bringing your computer up to security requirements, you will be able to complete registration and connect.

If you still cannot register or don't understand the error, please call 5-Help (212-305-4357) while at your computer if possible and give us the specific error message you see in your web browser.

Why is a scan now required?

Much of the malware out there today attempts to steal personal information (banking details, credit card numbers, passwords, etc.). The updates we require will help your computer stay reasonably protected during your stay here and thus will allow all students the use of a much more secured shared resource - the campus network.

What happens if my computer fails the scan?

If you are on campus and it fails a Bradford Campus Manager scan, your computer will be quarantined (not allowed to access the network). If your computer is placed in quarantine, you will be provided with a web page that will allow you to download the needed software updates to meet campus security policies and pass the scan. Once you have passed, your computer can then connect to the campus network and the Internet.

If you are not yet on campus, you will see a results page advising you which programs should be updated and/or installed. These must be done before you will be able to connect your computer to the campus network. Your computer will not be quarantined unless you are directly plugged into the network at CUMC.

What happens when my computer is connected at a Bradford-managed location?

What kinds of devices can I use on the CUMC network?

Only registered computers can connect to the campus network. CUMC cannot allow routers, wireless access points, gaming, video or other equipment on the network in part for security issues. VoIP (voice over IP) is not allowed on the network as well.

Students are allowed to purchase dsl or high speed cable connections in their rooms for personal use, please contact the Student Housing Office and an Internet service provider if you would like to arrange for this.

Free high speed network access is a privilege given to CUMC students for academic use. The network is shared by CUMC offices and New York Presbyterian Hospital. Our highest priority is that the network be kept secure and available for all to use.

How can I get my IP (network) address?

Please follow the steps on the Student Residential Network page to register your computer for an IP address. Student computers are typically set for dynamic (changing) IP addresses, which allow for connection at all CUMC campus network locations and continued connectivity if the network's configuration changes. Anyone requiring a static IP address must have specific academic reasons for this, please state them on the registration form or contact 5-Help with the information.

Who assigns the IP addresses?

The group that manages the network for the entire CUMC and NYP campus, CORE Resources, assigns the IP addresses. Please remember that if you have any issues or questions regarding the campus network you must first contact us t 5-Help or come to the CUMC IT Service Desk.

How long does it take to get my IP address?

If you are able to register via the Bradford Tool (see above), you can receive wired access and a dynamic IP address immediately. If you must use the Student Registration forms, it takes approximately 24 hours (during the business week) to get your IP address. When you register for your IP address, you will receive two emails: one immediately after registering to confirm that we received your request, and one informing you that the IP address has been assigned.

Can I choose an IP Address?

No, you may not choose your own IP address. Picking an IP Address has the potential to cause more harm than good. CORE considers this to be stealing network resources and will block your computer on the network. A Security Incident Report will be created and your computer will be blocked. A decision will then be made as to whether your connection can be reactivated or if further action will be taken against you, in concert with your academic dean.

You must be sure to follow the instructions to register your computer for use on the CUMC network. Because CUMC shares the network with New York Presbyterian Hospital and must comply with HIPAA regulations, we must have current contact information for all systems that are on the campus network.

Should I configure a manual IP address?

Students must not configure a manual IP address on their computers. A dynamic (not manual) address is generally easier to use and allows for roaming if you have a laptop. Configuring a manual address on your computer without prior approval from the CUMC IT Service Desk and CORE Resources can remove connectivity from other registered computers and result in disciplinary action including the loss of network connectivity for your system(s).

How can I find my network card's hardware address (aka Physical, Ethernet or MAC address) in order to register my computer?

All computers, regardless of their operating system, must be registered in order to be given access to the CUMC network. You will be required to provide your computer's hardware address when registering.

Generally you will find the address for your network interface card through the computer's operating system. The hardware address is also typically printed on a sticker located on the card itself. If the address is not printed on the card or on any of the documentation that came with the card or your computer, you can select the appropriate link below to find out how to get the hardware address via your computer's operating system:

What if I replace my computer or its network card?

Please use the online form to re-register. Your computer is recognized on the campus network by a Hardware Address that is unique to every network card, so replacing this requires that it be registered again.

Do I need to buy anything to connect to the network?

Most new computers now come with a built in network interface card. If your computer has network card, you are all set. You will need to get an Ethernet patch cable (also known as Cat-5 or Category-5 cable) if one did not come with the computer; these can be purchased at any store that sells computer equipment. A network cable is thicker than a phone cord and has connectors on the end that look similar to phone connectors but are slightly bigger.

If you need to purchase a network card for your computer, you can go to any vendor that sells computer supplies and purchase a 10/100 FastEthernet Network Card. You must first verify that it will be compatible with your computer's hardware and operating system.

Who can I talk to if the network connection in my room isn't working?

If you have already registered your computer but can not get a network connection via the data port in your dorm or apartment, please call the CUMC IT Service Desk at extension 5-Help (212-305-4357). It is best if you are at your computer in your room when you call so the technicians can accurately troubleshoot the problem.

Where can I find the jack number in my room?

You can find the jack number written above the jack or data port.

Who can help me set up my computer connection from CUMC student housing?

If you need initial set up and registration for a network connection, please see our Student Residential Network page for easy, detailed instructions.

Technicians can answer any other questions you may have about the connection, please call us at (212) 305-Help, or come by the CUMC IT Service Desk on the 2nd floor of the library.

Who can I speak to if the connection in the dorms is down?

Call the Service Desk at extension 5-Help (212-305-4357).

How can I transfer files over the network?

• You can email a file as an attachment from your Columbia email account - an email including its attachment can be up to 3MB if using CubMail, or up to 20MB if using an email program like Thunderbird or Outlook.
• You can use WinSCP (for PC) or Fugu (for Mac) to upload and download files from your space on the Columbia Cunix servers.
• If you are comfortable using a command line interface, you can also use an SSH program ( Putty for PC or Terminal for Mac) to transfer to and from your Cunix account.

Keep in mind that there is a 40MB limit on your Cunix space.

Is the network secure?

While CORE Resources makes every attempt to make the network as secure as possible, you should be aware of the following facts:

* You should protect personal information such as email messages, banking transactions, any credit card transactions such as on-line retail and purchases, etc. Whenever possible, use encryption services provided by your software such as SSL, PGP and S-MIME, among others.
* Wireless communication is subject to further security risks. The CUMC wireless networks that are managed by CORE require encryption, however other wireless networks you use may easily allow another person may be able to capture the data transmitted over the airwaves without your consent or knowledge. Make sure your communications are secure by using VPN or IPSec client software whenever appropriate.
* You should avoid opening patient email or other sensitive data with personally identifiable information from your wireless laptop or device without using VPN or IPSec client software. The network will enforce certain security policies by only accepting secure communications from wireless hosts.
* Secure communications to and from the Internet will not be enforced but you are encouraged to protect your identity and your data at all times.
* The wired local area network is inherently more secure since it is difficult for someone to get physical access to the media. Our switched networking environment makes it difficult for other users to capture data sent to or from your computer. However, you should be aware that it is not impossible.