Students may bring computers to their on-campus home.  Each residence hall room and University-owned apartment has a direct hookup to the Internet.   In order for the computer to work with the campus network, it must be equiped with an Ethernet card.  Students will also need to bring a network cable and a UL approved power strip with them.  In order for two computers to connect to the internet in a room, a 5 port switch and an additional network cable will be required.  Specifics are listed below.

Click on the link under Related Articles to learn how to connect your computer to the campus network.

Network Card:  In order for the computer to connect to the campus network, it must be equipped with an SMC Ethernet card (10 BASE-T or 10/100 BASE-T).    New computers can be ordered to include this type of card.  If your computer does not have an Ethernet card, students will need to purchase one and have it installed in their computer prior to coming to campus.  If you have a laptop, you will need a pcmcia card, unless the motherboard has a built-in ethernet card.

Ethernet Network Cable:  In addition to an Ethernet card, you will need a CAT-5 ethernet cable with RJ-45 connectors.   CAT-5 cables can be purchased from the Office of Housing and Residence Life or you can bring one with you when you come to campus.   The Office of Housing and Residence Life is located in LA N-10.  (Remember if you will be using a 5 port switch, you will need an extra cable).

Power Strip:  Students should also bring a UL approved power strip with a built-in circuit breaker to use with the computer equipment.   The Office of Housing and Residence Life will be selling power strips or you can bring one with you when you come to campus.  Power strips can be purchased from Housing and Residence Life tech support, which is located in LA N-13.

5 Port Switch:  If more than one computer needs connected to the internet in a residence hall room, a 5 port switch is recommended.  It will allow people to connect two computers at once using one Ethernet connection in your residence hall room.   (The Microsoft MN-150, D-Link DSS-5, and Netgear FS 605 switches are recommended for use with Ball State's networking system.)   5 port switches can be purchased at computer supply stores, most business supply stores, and from internet web sites.   Please note that an additional network cable, like the one described above, will be required.

In the past, mini hubs (instead of 5 port switches) have been recommended for allowing more than one computer in a residence hall room to connect to the internet.  Mini hubs will still work, so if you have one that has been used in the residence halls in the past, you are not required to purchase a 5 port switch.  
  
It is very important that you do NOT buy a router or an Ethernet splitter.  Some retailers may try to sell you a router as a substitute for a 5 port switch but if you attempt to use a router it will not be compatible with the BSU residence halls networking equipment