Network Access
Setting up a home network
Interest is increasing for people to set up a small home network to connect two or more personal computers together to share a cable modem connection. The process is fairly straightforward:
- Purchase a router or wireless access point.
- Connect the router/access point to your network (cable modem, for example), following the instructions that came with it.
- Connect the computers to the router/access point, following the instructions that came with it.
Please note that routers, wireless acesss points, hubs or other devices can NOT be installed on the UMD network except by ITSS staff. This includes all offices, classrooms, and residence halls. Please see Policy on Access to the UMD Network for details.
Security issues
To protect your data and privacy, ITSS recommends that you use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) service on your home networked computer(s) if the following are true:
- You are connecting to the University through the UMDNet wireless network or through a non-UMD ISP, such as cable modem, DSL, AOL, etc.
- You will be transmitting sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card information, social security numbers or any confidential information; OR, you need to access restricted resources at the University, such as Library journals or restricted systems.
For more information on VPN, see: Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Suggested equipment
ITSS recommends the Linksys router.
More information
How to Set up your Home Network (PC World)
Home Networking (CompNet)
Setting up a Wireless Home Network (O'Reilly)