Connecting more than one computer to ResNet

Introduction

This page describes several techniques you can use if you have more than one computer you want to use with ResNet at the same time.

If you are in a residence with ResNet Wireless you can connect as many devices to the wireless network as you wish - it just works. If your residence doesn't have wireless, there are several techniques to share the connection from your one wall socket:

• Tell us every time you want to swap between computers
• Swap one network adapter between two computers
• Clone your mac address
• Use an ethernet router

Different ways to do it

Tell us every time you want to swap between computers

If you get a new computer and are going to stop using your old one, or want to swap between computers only rarely, then just let us know that you have a new computer using My ResNet or by phoning the Help Desk. We'll reset the socket in your room so that it works with the new computer (but will stop working with the old one).

Swap one network adapter between two computers

Rather than using the built-in network socket (ethernet adapter) in your computer you can get an external USB network adapter and connect to the network socket on your wall via that. The advantage is that when you want to swap to use a different computer, simply plug the USB network adapter into your second computer instead.

USB Ethernet adapters are available from many online stores. If you want to buy one in person Maplins on Gloucester Road may also sell them.

Clone your mac address

This technique is particularly useful if you have a console such as the XBox 360. It means that your console mimics the MAC address of your main computer, so when you unplug the computer and plug your console into the data socket instead ResNet will carry on working. See games consoles for details.

Use an ethernet router

A router connects to your network socket instead of your computer, and then allows you to create a private network of multiple computers behind the router, sharing your Internet connection between them. This is the best way to go if you have more than one computer and want them both online at the same time.

Make sure you get an ethernet router (this is the sort of router that works with Virgin Media cable broadband). Don't get an ADSL router (the sort of router that works with broadband over a BT phone line). A hub or switch, although they look similar, won't work either - it has to be a router.

Please note: Most routers with not work with Freewire TV on ResNet. Freewire TV uses a technique called multicast to send the signal. If you want to use Freewire TV, ask the manufacturer of your router if it supports multicast.

For much more information about routers, see how to share a broadband connection.

I've got my router, how do I get connected to ResNet?  Chances are you are already using your computer in the ResNet socket.  If you plug in your router now then you'll probably get nowhere fast!  ResNet locks the port down to the physical address of whatever is first plugged in and denies all other traffic.  Before you plug in the router you will need to visit My ResNet and follow the instructions to 'Connect a new computer'.  When you have done this you can unplug your current computer and connect the router to ResNet (the socket on your router is normally labelled WAN). 

So your router is now connected to ResNet but you still need to activate your connection through the router.  It's best to do this via a cable as you don't have to worry about wireless settings.  Simply connect your computer to a spare socket (usually labelled LAN), open your preferred Web Browser, and visit http://go.resnet.bristol.ac.uk

Activating through wireless on your router can be a little more tricky as every manufacturer does things slightly differently.  The only comment from us is that you properly secure using WPA2 and keep the password secure.  The IT Service Desk cannot offer much help with routers as there are so many different types.  Your best avenue for support is AskIT.

Points to remember

Although we are happy for you to connect more than one computer to ResNet for your own personal use, don't share your ResNet connection to other people in other rooms, as this is against the ResNet regulations.

You can use a wireless router on ResNet, as long as you obey the ResNet regulations for the use of wireless network equipment.

If you have more than one computer, make sure they are all up to date with viruses and security patches. They are particularly at risk, especially if you have a computer which hasn't been online in a while (as it won't have received any updates).