This connection occurs over phone lines and brings speeds comparable to commercial cable and DSL services (e.g., Comcast & Verizon) The type of connection is technically called Long Range Ethernet and is similar to DSL.

The $8.00/month fee is included in your telecommunications fee. This price was agreed upon by the Family Housing Tenants’ Association and is much less than the cost of a commercial service. Note that you will automatically get high-speed Internet service.

OIT has installed a piece of hardware (called Consumer Premises Equipment or CPE) similar to a cable modem. This network hardware must remain in the apartment when you move out – you are responsible for the network hardware until you complete the check-out process. Be aware that the network hardware remains the property of the University of Massachusetts and will not work on any network outside of the University of Massachusetts network.

You will need:

• OIT Account : You’ll need your NetID (OIT Account user name) and UMAccess password to register your computer on the network.
• A computer with an Ethernet (N.I.C.) card : Most newer computers come with Ethernet cards already installed. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one from OIT Hardware Support (A22 LGRC).
• An Ethernet cable : You will need an Ethernet cable long enough to reach from your telephone jack to your computer’s network card. Ethernet cables in several lengths are available from OIT Hardware Support (A25 LGRC).
• A Network Hub (optional) : If your household has more than one computer, you’ll need a network hub to access the Internet at the same time. Network hubs are available at the University bookstore and most office supply retailers.

  Note: We do not recommend that you purchase a router as they are difficult to install and more costly.