Many laptop and some desktop computers now come with both wired and wireless Ethernet cards. These two cards allow you to establish simultaneous wired and wireless connections to the campus network.
While this simultaneous connection (also known as ‘network bridging’ or 'Internet Connection Sharing) may be useful on some home networks, it may cause problems on the campus network. When your computer is configured for network bridging, it causes a loop of traffic, which may result in network instability.
You can use only one network connection at a time. Ethernet jacks on campus are set up to automatically shut off once they detect network bridging. Plugging your computer into another jack will only disable that jack as well.
To ensure that you use only one network connection at a time, follow the steps below.
Disable Multiple Network Connections
Turn Off Network Bridging (Internet Connection Sharing)
Disable Multiple Network Connections
Use an Ethernet connection when you are close to an Ethernet jack. Ethernet jacks are available in all residence halls, administrative buildings and in public classrooms. Otherwise, use a wireless connection to connect to the campus network. Wireless Coverage Areas
- To disable your wireless connection, remove the external wireless card from your computer.
- To disable your Ethernet connection, unplug your Ethernet cable from its jack.
- To internally disable either connection:
Windows Vista
- Go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- In the left-hand column, click Manage network connections.
- A new window will open. Right-click Local Area Connection, then select Disable.
Windows XP
- Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections.
- Right-click the connection you wish to disable, then select Disable.
Mac OS X
- In the Apple Menu, go to System Preferences...
- Under Internet & Network, click Network.
- From the Show drop-down menu, select Network Port Configurations.
- Be sure to cancel the selection for the connection you wish to disable.
Turn Off Network Bridging (Internet Connection Sharing)
If your laptop has more than one networking cards, you must disable network bridging (or Internet connection sharing), if configured. Find your operating system and follow the instructions below.
Windows Vista
- Go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- In the left-hand column, click Manage network connections.
- A new window will open. Right-click Local Area Connection and make sure Bridge Connections is NOT selected.
Windows XP
- Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections.
- In the Network Connections window, right-click on an active Ethernet connection (Local Area Connection Enabled). Make sure Bridge Connections is NOT selected.
Windows 2000
- Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel. Double-click Network and Dial-up Connections.
- Right-click on an active Ethernet connection (Local Area Connection Enabled). On the Connection Properties screen, select the Sharing tab.
- Under Shared Access, make sure Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection is not selected, then click OK.
Mac OS X
- In the Apple Menu, go to System Preferences…
- Under Internet & Network, click Sharing, then click the Internet tab.
- Internet Sharing Off must be displayed at the top of the tab. If you see Internet Sharing On, click Stop to disable it.
Related Pages
Wireless Access: Configure Your Computer
Ethernet Access: Configure Your Computer
Need Help?
If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
- or -
Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.
