Connecting to the UW Networks
UW Web Services Registry
UW information resources you can connect to.
- On This Page
- Connecting to UW Networks
- Networking
- More Information
Connecting to UW Networks
UW network connections provide access to UW campus resources and the Internet beyond the UW.
You are expected to know and adhere to the policy for network use at the UW no matter where or how you are making your connection to the UW computing and networking resources.
On Campus
- With wireless
-
Using Wireless at the UW is easy. Most buildings on campus have wireless (wi-fi) networking.
- In libraries
-
Some libraries on campus offer network ports in kiosks that you can use to directly connect your laptop to campus networks. Usually you will need to provide your own cable.
- From offices
-
Most campus offices have network service already installed. Talk with your local computer support staff about their preferences on how you connect.
- From residence halls
-
Most rooms in the campus residence halls have Internet access and wireless is available in many common areas. To connect to the UW network, please configure your computer for use in the Residence Halls. Keep in mind that your use of the UW network is governed by rules and guidelines.
From Home
- Through your ISP
-
If you already have a connection to the networks for your off-campus computer, such as through a private Internet Service Provider (ISP), you can access most UW services using that connection. For more information, see Using Outside ISPs to Connect to the UW.
- By modem
-
In addition to network connections, UW students, faculty, and staff can use the UW Information Technology dial-in modem pools to connect.
Calls from many parts of Western Washington are free. See Phone Numbers for UW Dial-in Modem Access for additional information.
From Anywhere
- Mobile devices
-
Many UW sites and services can be accessed with mobile devices (smartphones and Personal Data Assistants). See Smart Phones.
- While traveling
-
Connecting to the UW while traveling is getting easier all the time, but it still can be tricky. Detailed information on connecting from many countries is available in the International Travel Connectivity site.
Help Connecting
If you cannot connect to UW services and you think you should be able to, or if you are connected on campus and are unable to access sites off-campus, call 206-221-5000 or send email to help@u.washington.edu. It is possible that your account has been blocked by UW Information Technology. Blocking might be necessary if your UW NetID or computer is associated with software piracy, has been hijacked by someone else, or is being used to send spam email.
Networking
Infrastructure
Work on the UW networking infrastructure, including routing new cable, contracting with vendors, and installing networking in new buildings is done by or coordinated by UW Information Technology. Off-campus service can also be arranged. For more information on Ethernet installation, contact the UW Information Technology Service Center by sending email to help@uw.edu or by calling 206-221-5000.
Local UW Addressing (p172) Service
A private address routing service is available to configure a subnet such that attached computers are not accessible from outside the UW. See the Private Address Routing on Campus page for more information.
Managed Firewall Service
The Managed Firewall Service, available from UW Information Technology, can install, manage, and maintain a firewall at the subnet level of the customer's network.
More Information
The Tools for Safe and Secure Computing page provides all the virus protection, terminal session, and file transfer software you need to securely connect to and use UW computing and networking services.
You may also find that the following information will come in handy:
- Accounts and Your UW NetID
- Using Outside ISPs to Connect to the UW
- What to Do If Your Network Service Is Blocked
To get help or make comments about the information on this page, use the Send a Question to UW Information Technology form or send email to help@u.washington.edu.
