ITS Policy: Providing Ethernet Access in University Buildings
This policy is a statement describing how Bethel Information Technology Services (ITS) provides network access in university buildings.
Policy
The primary method of connecting computers and other devices to Bethel’s network is Wi-Fi. Depending on the credentialing capabilities of the device, the primary network that can be connected to is titled Bethel. If a device is unable to connect to the Bethel network, please attempt to register the device's wireless MAC address using the Device Registration Portal, then connect the device to the network titled Bethel-Guest.
Devices likely to require the Device Registration Portal for connection are: Android phones, Chromebook laptops, smart TVs, video game consoles, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, etc.
Ethernet ports may not be used to connect unapproved Wi-Fi broadcasting devices such as routers, modems, extenders, gateways, etc. A device qualifies as such if it is broadcasting a local wireless network. If a connected Wi-Fi broadcasting device is suspected, the port may be deactivated until a full review can be conducted. Bethel ITS does not permit these types of devices due to the security vulnerabilities they create.
One Port Maximum for Student Dorm Requests
Bethel ITS will activate up to one port per person in a Bethel residence room or suite, subject to the availability on network equipment, upon filling out the Network Port Activation Request form.
This policy exists due to limited availability on network equipment. Open port space is finite and permitting more than one port per student may leave some students without ability receive the first port activation.
If a student already has one active port but wishes to switch to a different port, they may place another Network Port Activation Request (linked above) to request the new port’s activation. However, please note the original port will be deactivated upon completion of the request ticket.
If a roommate or other student wants a port activated, this person will need to be the one to fill out the Network Port Activation Request (linked above) for the port they want activated.
This policy does not guarantee the activation of a port. If the requested port does not provide internet connection after ITS has troubleshot the issue, it will be noted by ITS staff but is unlikely to be fixed until the upcoming summer months following the school year.
Some residence rooms or suites may have less available Ethernet ports than students living in the room. If this is the case, ITS will not be able to activate a port if a data port does not exist on the wall plate.
Exceptions to One Port Maximum in Dorms
Arden Village East might have more ports active than the number of students residing in the dorm suite due to the positioning of network data closets within the Arden Village dorm buildings. If ITS needs to activate a port in a separate Arden Village dorm suite, it is possible an “over-activated” dorm suite will have some ports deactivated to accommodate this.
Requests that accompany a need for additional ports supported by the Office of Accessibility Resources (OARS) will be permitted to exceed the one port maximum.
Reporting Port Issues to ITS
For technology help or to report a problem to ITS, submit a request form in our TOPdesk ticketing system (use the “Log in to Self-Service Portal” option), email us at helpdesk@behel.edu, or call us at 651-638-6500. Wi-Fi service outages can be reported by phone 24/7 and the appropriate staff will be made available to respond. If your Ethernet port is not working after work hours (after completion of the request ticket), please email or leave a voicemail.