DHCP and Windows for Workgroups 3.11

This document describes how to set up Windows XP for DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which lets you connect to the Internet using the following services:
  • ResNet: Provides students in the Thunderbird, Place Vanier, Totem, Ritsumeikan-UBC, Gage, Green College, Fairview Crescent, St. John's, St. Andrew's and VST residences with a high-speed connection to the campus network and the Internet.
  • DirectNet: A high-speed, network connectivity service that is only available on the UBC campus.
  • Internet Access Ports: Allows those with Netinfo or Interchange accounts to plug in a laptop computer and access the campus network and the Internet. Internet Access Ports are currently available in the David Lam Library (main level), Koerner Library (mainly level 1), Law Library (all levels), Instructional Resource Centre (IRC), Agora Lounge (in the MacMillan Building), Buchanan (Block A), Frederic Lasserre Building, Liu Centre, Scarfe Building, Wesbrook Building.
  • Wireless: One of the largest Campus Wi-Fi Networks in the world! We have more than 1550 access points (APs) deployed in over 150 buildings covering most of the 1000-acre campus.

Note: To use these high-speed Internet services, you require a laptop/desktop, a Network Interface Card (NIC) and an Ethernet cable. Network Interface Cards and cables are available at the UBC Bookstore and other computer stores.

Warning: If you are currently using a laptop to connect to a LAN (Local Area Network), the following Internet access port configuration settings may replace all, or part of, any existing network configuration you have on your laptop. Be sure to copy down your current network configuration settings and addresses before you re-configure your laptop for use with one of the above services.

Important Note: Windows for Workgroups networking is not supported by the ITServices Customer Support Centre. This document is provided to assist Windows for Workgroups users in installing and configuring Windows for Workgroups networking, but represents the extent of support the Customer Support Centre will provide for new users.

Step 1: Obtaining the Microsoft TCP/IP Stack

  1. Before beginning, check if you have a Network program group. If this group is not present, you must reinstall Windows for Workgroups to get this functionality.
  2. By default, Windows for Workgroups does not include a TCP/IP stack. You must first obtain Microsoft’s TCP/IP package, which can be downloaded from here: MSTCPIP.exe (677,768 bytes). This file is a self-extracting archive.
  3. Copy this file to the C:\TEMP directory. At the DOS prompt, type the following commands to extract the files contained in this archive:

    C:
    CD \TEMP
    MSTCPIP

Step 2: Installing Microsoft TCP/IP

  1. Return to Windows. Double click on Network Setup and click once on the Drivers button.
  2. Click once on the Add Adapter button. If the network card you are setting up does not appear on the list that comes up, you must select Unlisted or Updated Network Adapter and provide the diskette from the manufacturer.
  3. Click on the Add Protocol button. If Microsoft TCP/IP is not in the list then choose unlisted or updated driver and click the Add button.
  4. Enter C:\TEMP when asked for the location of the unlisted or updated driver. Press OK.
  5. This should list the Microsoft TCP/IP stack. Choose OK.

Step 3: Configuring Microsoft TCP/IP

  1. Choose TCP/IP protocol and click the Set Properties button.
  2. Configure TCP/IP for DHCP by clicking the check box next to Enable Automatic DHCP Configuration. Make sure all other information is left blank, including information for the DNS and Advanced. Click OK.
  3. Click on the Yes button for the TCP/IP Alert Message, "The DHCP protocol will… Do you wish to enable DHCP?".
  4. Choose OK for all other dialog boxes and then choose Restart Computer when prompted.

Step 4: Connecting to the Network/Internet

Once the required network components have been installed and your computer has been restarted, Windows will automatically request network information from the DHCP server. If you are using DirectNet, you can now begin using the Internet or campus network by starting your browser, e-mail program or other Internet applications. If you are connecting using ResNet, Internet Access Ports or Wireless, you should also consult the appropriate section below.

Special Instructions for Internet Access Port Users

  1. After configuring your computer as instructed above, plug your Ethernet cable into your laptop computer and the Internet Access Port wall jack.
  2. Start your Web browser (e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, etc) and go to any web page on the Internet outside of the ubc.ca domain.
  3. Login using your CWL (Campus-Wide Login) username and password.
  4. If your username and password are valid, you will then be redirected to the web page you were originally requesting.

Special Instructions for Wireless Users

  1. After configuring your computer as instructed above, ensure that your Wireless Network card is operational and reports full signal strength.
  2. There should be an icon in your system tray reporting the status of the Wireless connection. You may have to enable your Wireless connection first. You should be able to open it and set up its options. Set the Wireless Network Name or SSID to: ubc
  3. Start your Web browser (e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, etc) and go to any web page on the Internet outside of the ubc.ca domain. This will redirect you to the Wireless Login page.
  4. Login using your CWL (Campus-Wide Login) username and password.
  5. If your username and password are valid then you will then be redirected to the web page you were originally requesting.
  6. A pop-up window will appear that indicates that you are logged in. When you are finished with your Wireless session, be sure to click on the logout button in this window.
    • If this window disappears or you happen to close it, you can simply type logout in the address bar of your web browser to get it back again.

Note: We strongly suggest that you connect to the ubcsecure network if your operating system and wireless card supports it.

Further Assistance

For additional technical support, please contact the IT Service Centre Help Desk.

When contacting the IT Service Centre Help Desk regarding problems with ResNet, please be ready to provide information such as:

  • Your residence and room;
  • Your CWL username;
  • Your operating system and version;

If you are contacting the ITServices Help Desk by email, please make your problem description as detailed as possible.