FAQ - Connecting on Campus: UIC-Net in Offices and Labs

Table of Contents Problems with Existing UIC-Net Network Connections Duplicate IP Addresses My connection has worked fine, but suddenly I see DUPLICATE IP ADDRESS errors. My connection is suddenly failing although I have made no software changes on my computer. My network connection is failing due to a problem with my computer, but the wall jack is still working. This is usually the case if you recently installed new software or experienced other software problems. I have tried all the suggestions but my connection still does not work. Problems with New UIC-Net Network Connections How do I request that a wall jack be activated for a network connection? How do I know if a wall jack has an active network connection? Mac Connection Issues Where can I find basic information about the configuring Network connections for the Macintosh? I don't know what System Software my Mac is running - how can I find out?

Question 1.1 Duplicate IP Addresses
My connection has worked fine, but suddenly I see DUPLICATE IP ADDRESS errors.

• This happens when someone else in your subnet (which usually comprises the floor on your building or your whole department) has configured another computer with your network information, or vice versa. Call the Client Services Office at 413-0003 to find out exactly your host name and IP address so that you can make sure yours are set correctly.
• Assuming your information is correct, then you must find the person in your subnet who stole your IP address and ask the culprit to please correct his settings. Again, the Client Services Office can offer assistance in telling you all the possible locations for the conflict.

Question 1.2 My connection is suddenly failing although I have made no software changes on my computer.

Here are a number of things you can try:

• Reboot your computer.
• Re-seat the network connection cable - that is, unplug it and plug it back in.
• Check to make sure the cable is plugged in properly. The wide end should be plugged into the computer and the narrow end into the wall.
• Re-seat your Ethernet card. This involved opening the case, however, so you may want to leave it as a last resort.
• Make sure that other computers in your vicinity still have functioning network connections so that you know you are not dealing with a larger network outage.
• Try to determine whether the problem is related to the specific computer or to the network connection. You can do this by plugging in a functioning computer into that wall jack. If it works, then you know the problem is specific to your computer. If it doesn't, then you should contact the Client Services Office so that we can have a Network Technician check into the problem.
• If none of these suggestions helped, move onto the next section.

Question 1.3 My network connection is failing due to a problem with my computer, but the wall jack is still working.
This is usually the case if you recently installed new software or experienced other software problems.

• There are number of causes for network failure that are software dependent. Files may become corrupted, configuration settings are often over-written, conflicts arise with other software or hardware, virus attack files, etc.
• Check and re-check your configuration settings. In spite of them being set correctly once, resetting them can often help. Sometimes it is even necessary to re-install your networking software.
• Check your Ethernet configuration; there are links to step-by-step instructions in Connecting to the UIC-Net Campus Network via Ethernet .
• Check your machine for viruses. You can use the free antivirus software provided by UIC.
• Check your hard drive for errors. Use Scandisk or a disk defragmenter.
• Re-install whatever network software you are using; again, there are links to step-by-step instructions in Connecting to the UIC-Net Campus Network via Ethernet .

Question 1.4 I have tried all the suggestions but my connection still does not work.

• If you are not able to resolve your network connection problem with the help provided, you can call the Client Services Office for further assistance or to request an on-site service call.

Question 2.1 How do I request that a wall jack be activated for a network connection?

• You should first contact the REACH member in your department. REACH members are generally kept up-to-date by the Computer Center on network connections and requests. You can find the list of REACH members for your department at the bottom of the REACH home page .
• If there is no REACH member listed for your department, you can email our networks group at networks@uic.edu , but be sure to include your department, room number, and building.
• If you can't send email, call the Client Services Office at 413-0003 and we will put in the request for you.

Question 2.2 How do I know if a wall jack has an active network connection?

• Well, the easiest way is to plug a computer into it and see if you can connect. But if it doesn't, there might be a number of problems.
• You can call the Client Services Office, the consultant can lookup your room and jack number to see if it has a connection. If it doesn't, the consultant can help you request a connection on that jack.

Question 3.1 Where can I find basic information about the configuring Network connections for the Macintosh?

• Visit our page on configuration for a network.

Question 3.2 I don't know what System Software my Mac is running - how can I find out?

• Click on your desktop, then click the Apple in the upper left hand corner, then click ABOUT THIS MACINTOSH.

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