Quaker Square Residence Hall Internet Connections

From The University of Akron Support Center Wiki

Currently, there is no standard University of Akron-provided internet access for residents of the Quaker Square building. Some connectivity, on the other hand, can be obtained by using some combination of the hotel's network infrastructure. Access to the wireless network is sparse on the residence floors but strong on the first floor lobby. Access codes for wireless can be obtained from the front desk but it is unclear if the hotel will extend the use of them to University of Akron students. These codes are also only good for 24 hours.

The accepted solution is to use a combination of a DSL modem left in each hotel room and a "switch" provided by the University of Akron IT Services. If you are missing one or both pieces of equipment, contact your RA to obtain them.

Connecting to the Internet in Quaker Square with a DSL Modem and a Switch:

1. Look at the picture at the top of the second page. Just like in the other residence halls, you must visit a webpage once per day to authenticate your connection. Open any internet browser (like Internet Explorer or FireFox) and you will be automatically taken to this page if it is the first time that day that you are connecting. Otherwise, the address is: http://oh003sip01.solutionip.com/common_ip_cgi/main_menu.cgi There will be two options for you to choose. Fortunately, both are free so choose the second option which allows VPN access in addition to normal internet connectivity. Left-click on the button marked “Quick Connect 2.” The other button will also work, but to a limited degree.

2. Unlike the residence halls, using certain features will require you to establish a VPN connection. These services include library journals, email applications like Outlook Express (unless you reconfigure the account each time), and normal Explorer access to ZipSpace. Directions for setting up a VPN: VPN_Setup

3. For rooms with more than one resident, the University of Akron will provide a network device called a “switch” and a cable for each person. Each person must connect a cable from the switch to their computer and go through step 1 (and 2 if needed.)

4. All University of Akron internet usage rules STILL APPLY. This means that you cannot download media illegally, use your connection to gain unauthorized access to anyone’s digital property, or otherwise abuse this connection.

Known Issues

Some versions of Norton Internet Security Suite will automatically make both the wired and wireless connections in Quaker Square subject to excessive security. This may result in users not being able to view web pages on these networks. Exact instructions for reversing this vary for each version but all involve identifying the name given to the network by the suite and changing its type to "home" or "business." Another possible resolution is to uninstall Norton and install McAfee Antivirus Enterprise Edition which is free to all University of Akron students, staff and faculty. Copies of the software are available through Computer Solutions on the third floor of the Student Union or it can be installed on laptops by the ZipSupport Center or on any computer by Student Computer Support Services.

There are a limited number of connections currently supported by the hotel's internet service provider. Each day, connections are assigned by going to the page pictured above until the maximum number is reached. Thereafter, an error is given instead of a confirmation message. Attempt to connect the next day after 11AM. A more permanent solution is being explored as of 1/15/2008.

Due to move-in concerns, furniture to which DSL modems were attached was sometimes two per room and some rooms have no modem. If your room has multiple modems, please return one and its power adapter to your RA. If you have no modem, request one from your RA.