Applying for an IP Address / Network Connection

Network connections

A pre-requisite for any networked machine is to have a functioning network socket, or access to a departmental wireless access point (N.B. wireless access is not available everywhere in the department). If you need a network socket made live, please email support@ch.cam.ac.uk with the room number and the label on the socket. Once you have a functioning network connection, you or your group IT representative can register machines automatically.

Personal laptops

If you want to place a personal laptop onto the wired network and you already have access to a free live network socket then plug the machine in, start up a web browser, browse to any web page and follow the on-screen instructions.

If this doesn't seem to be working then make sure your machine is set to DHCP (it may be called something like 'automatically get an IP address') and you are using a live network socket. If it still doesn't work, mail support@ch.cam.ac.uk letting us know your hardware address and we will track down the problem.

There are also wireless networks available that you may find more convenient, especially for short visits. These include Open Access wireless and Lapwing.

Desktops / Servers

If you wish to place a desktop or server machine on the wired network, please get your group IT representative or a computer officer to plug the machine in, start up a web browser, and follow the on-screen instructions.

The Department IP/Computer Database is used in conjunction with various security systems to ensure that machines are a) what they should be and b) where they should be. This information is required in the event of a security incident (hack) or theft of your equipment - you might find it difficult to persuade University insurance to pay out if you have not observed all the security measures in place.

It is therefore necessary that the Computer Officers (support@ch.cam.ac.uk) should be informed if there are changes to a networked computer (it moves, the network card is upgraded, the owner changes, etc.)

We use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) in this Department to assign IP addresses (particularly to laptops) - your machine will be allocated a static IP address, via DHCP, which is associated with that particular machine for its lifetime.

If you are unsure how to configure your machine(s) correctly please contact the Computer Officers.

If you have a computer with a wireless network card then you might find the Open Access Wireless Network useful.