University Computer Help Desk

Overview of ResNet and Cisco Network Access Control (NAC)

These frequently asked questions apply to ResNet registration.

What is Cisco Clean Access (CCA)? What is Cisco Network Access Control (NAC)?

ResNet registration in all campus residence halls is being facilitated through Cisco Clean Access (CCA), also known as Cisco Network Access Control (NAC).

The Cisco NAC agent checks your computer to make sure it meets requirements for ResNet registration. If you are missing any required software or updates, the Cisco NAC agent will help you download and install the missing software.

How often do I have to log in to ResNet?

The Cisco NAC agent requires you to log in with your ULID and password each time you want to use your ResNet connection. This applies to both wired and wireless* ResNet, and it applies to both on-campus network and off-campus Internet. (*Wireless ResNet is currently available in Hewett, Manchester, Haynie, Wilkins, Wright, and Watterson Towers residence halls.)

So long as you have an active network connection, you will stay logged on. After your computer is idle on the network for twenty minutes or more, you will be prompted to log in again.

What are the requirements for ResNet registration?

ResNet registration requires that you have either Microsoft Security Essentials or McAfee VirusScan Enterprise installed on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. ClamXav is required on Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5, Mac OS X 10.6, and Mac OS X 10.7.

Windows computers must have all available critical updates installed as well. For more information, including a detailed step-by-step list of all requirements, please refer to:

Should I register for ResNet using a wired or wireless connection?

Wired and wireless are both available in Hewett, Manchester, Haynie, Wilkins, Wright, and Watterson Towers residence halls, but we recommend using a wired connection for ResNet registration. Only wired connections are available in Atkin, Colby, Hamilton, and Whitten residence halls.

To use a wired connection for ResNet registration, use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to one of the Ethernet ports in your residence hall room.

How do I connect to ResNet wireless?

ResNet wireless is available in Hewett, Manchester, Haynie, Wilkins, Wright, and Watterson Towers residence halls. For Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X computers, first connect to the "setup-isu-resnet" network and open a web browser, like Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your computer with the necessary wireless settings.

The "isu-resnet" wireless network provides full access to the Internet and the campus network. You must run the Cisco NAC agent while you are connected to the "isu-resnet" wireless network, just as when you are using a wired ResNet connection.

Why do I have to remove my anti-virus software?

Microsoft Security Essentials and McAfee VirusScan are the university-approved anti-virus products and is a requirement for accessing the campus network using a Windows computer. ClamXav is the required anti-virus for Mac OS X.

Other anti-virus products, like Symantec Norton AntiVirus, Computer Associates Anti-Virus, and Trend Micro AntiVirus, are incompatible with McAfee VirusScan and McAfee Security for Mac. Therefore, you must remove other anti-virus products from your computer before installing the University approved anti-virus.

Why do I have to install so many Windows updates?

Your computer must be up to date before it is allowed to connect to ResNet. You are required to install all critical updates available from Microsoft at the time of your ResNet registration. This includes all service packs available for your version of Windows.

If your computer is severely out of date, you may find it will take a long time to update your computer. However, once you have completed the Windows update process, your computer will be more protected than it was before.

How do I set up my game console (Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii) on ResNet?

Game consoles are supported only over wired ResNet connections. Using an Ethernet cable, connect your game console to the Ethernet port in your residence hall room. Your game console should be configured for DHCP (this is the default).

You cannot connect your game console to the "isu-resnet" wireless network. If you want to use your computer and your game console on ResNet at the same time, you can connect your computer to "isu-resnet" and connect your game console to your ResNet Ethernet port.

How do I connect my mobile device or smart phone to ResNet wireless?

Mobile devices and smart phones, such as iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and Android  devices are supported on ResNet wireless at the semester start.

Why don't I always see the Cisco Clean Access window on Mac OS X?

In Mac OS X, the Cisco Clean Access login window does not always appear in front of other windows, as you might expect it to. When Cisco Clean Access is running, you will notice a small, black icon on your menu bar along the top of your screen, near your clock. When Cisco Clean Access needs your attention, it will flash this black icon to alert you. Minimize or close any open windows so you can find Cisco Clean Access and log in to ResNet.

How do I participate in a remote support session with the University Computer Help Desk?

Occasionally, the Help Desk will assist you through the use of a remote support session. A support session allows the Help Desk to remotely control your computer in order to better resolve the issue.

You must grant permission before a member of the Help Desk can control your computer, and you will see everything the Help Desk is doing while your computer is being remotely controlled. Further, once the support meeting ends, the Help Desk will no longer be able to remotely control your computer unless you grant permission in the future.

The Help Desk will instruct you through the steps to being a remote support session.