Information Technology Network - Ethernet & Wireless Ethernet There are several Ethernet ports, 100 BaseT connections, available in the Computer Lab for students to use. The ports are located along the window side of Computer Lab and Ethernet cables are provided. To take advantage of Ethernet, you need to register your laptop for DHCP service. Communications Network Services, CNS, provides a DHCP service that allows them to push a valid IP address to the laptop that allows it to connect to the internet. Registering for DHCP service is easy, and it will allow faculty, staff or students to access the internet on the Virginia Tech Campus. To register your laptop for DHCP, you first need to call 540-231-4400. Then someone from the Department of Information Technology will contact you to schedule a time to with to assist you with this process. Windows XP comes equipped with its own built-in firewall that we recommend you turn on while at VCOM to protect your laptop. To Turn the Firewall On: Click Start. Select Control Panel. Open Network Connections. Double click Local Area Connection. Click Properties. Click the Advance tab. Under Internet Connection Firewall, select "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet." Click OK. Click Close. Close Network Connections window. Wireless VCOM supports an 802.11g wireless network throughout the building. An 802.11b network card will continue to work on the 802.11g network, but will not have the speed of the 802.11g card. The wireless network allows VCOM students to access the internet, e-mail and Blackboard throughout the building. Students take advantage of the wireless network in the lecture halls to access class lecture notes from Blackboard, but it also allows VCOM faculty to give on-line quizzes during class. VCOM Faculty, staff or students may also take advantage of the wireless network throughout most of the buildings on the Virginia Tech campus. To access the wireless network, your VT PID must be registered. Students will be automatically registered, faculty and staff must be manually requested through the IT department. Windows XP comes equipped with its own built-in firewall that we recommend you turn on while at VCOM to protect your laptop. To Turn the Firewall On: Click Start. Select Control Panel. Open Network Connections. Double click Wireless Network Connection. Click Properties. Click the Advance tab. Under Internet Connection Firewall, select "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet." Click OK. Click Close. Close Network Connections window. For further information, see more IT links on the navigation bar on the left of this page.

VCOM Computer Help Line: To report computer problems or questions, call the VCOM Help Line at 231-4400. The help desk will log your information along with a brief description of the problem and generate a problem ticket for you. When the Information Technology department receives the problem ticket, a staff member will contact you to schedule a time to investigate the problem.