Wi-Fi Networking

Wi-Fi networking is available in all dorm rooms on the Dartmouth campus.  For information about connecting to the Wi-Fi network, please visit wifi.dartmouth.edu.

Note: The LED Lights on Wi-Fi Access Points installed in Dorm Rooms have been disabled due to numerous student concerns about it being on while trying to sleep.  Lack of an illuminated light on an Access Point in a Dorm Room does not mean that there is a malfunction or lack of Wi-Fi service.

Wired Networking (Ethernet)

In order to connect to the wired network, you will need to provide a Category 5e or better quality Ethernet cable.  Analog phone cables will not work for network connectivity.  Your device will also need to support wired Ethernet connectivity.  Many laptops no longer have wired Ethernet connections built-in.  USB and Thunderbolt adaptors for Ethernet can be purchased.  The Dartmouth Computer Store stocks and sells Ethernet cables as well as USB-to-Ethernet adaptors that will work with most devices.  These can also be purchased from many other retailers.

Connection via Access Point

Many dorm rooms at Dartmouth have white boxes mounted on a wall to provide both Wi-Fi and Wired network connections.  The look like the following picture:

On the bottom of the white box are Ethernet jacks for your use.  Depending on the model Access Point, these jacks are labelled:

ETH1/PSE, ETH2, ETH3, PASS THRU

or

ETH1/PSE, ETH2, ETH3

You may connect your devices to any one of the ETH1/PSE, ETH2, or ETH3 jacks.

In some cases, the ETH1/PSE jack can provide both Ethernet Data and Power over Ethernet (PoE).  Power is intelligently provided only to devices which signal to the network that power is needed.  Devices that do not support Power over Ethernet will not have power applied to the connection.  If you are connecting a VoIP phone, it should be connected to the ETH1/PSE jack.

The ETH2 and ETH3 jacks provide Ethernet Data only and cannot provide Power.

Some model access points have a PASS THRU jack.  In most cases, this jack is not active and will not provide a network connection.

Connection via Wall Jack

Some dorm rooms may not have this style of access point device installed.  If this is the case in your room, there should be a wired Ethernet jack on a wall for your use.  Wi-Fi is provided to your room by other styles of equipment.  Wi-Fi equipment may be located in rooms adjacent to yours.

Wired Ethernet jacks typically look like the following (colors, style, and quantities of connectors may differ):

Each network jack has an associated Jack ID.  This Jack ID can be found on the label on the faceplate where the network jack is located.  In the example photo, the Jack ID for the left jack is 2AE-25 and for the right jack 2AE-26.

Not all network jacks may be active.  If one connection does not work, please try another.  Do not attempt to remove any plastic covers where another jack may appear to be located - there is not an additional jack behind the plastic cover.  If you still cannot get a wired Ethernet connection to work, please submit a service request to ITC.  Be sure to include the building, room number, and the Jack ID that needs to be tested.

Analog Phone and Cable TV / Coaxial connections are not active in any building on campus, nor can they be activated.