Computing Frequently Asked Questions
This document was created to aid Stanford West and Welch Rd. apartment residents in setting up and maintaining networks in their apartments. If you have additional questions not covered in this FAQ, submit a HelpSU request and indicate that you are a Stanford West/Welch Rd. resident in the body of the ticket. If you are unable to submit a HelpSU ticket (e.g., because of a computer problem), you can contact the Help Desk by phone at 725-HELP (725-4357).
- How many IP addresses can I get for use in my apartment?
- How do I request additional addresses?
- If I move from one apartment to another in my complex, can I keep my IP addresses?
- I want to use my laptop in StanfordWest and on campus. Can I use DHCP so that I don't have to change my settings every time I travel back and forth?
- If I activate only one jack in my apartment, how do I create a network?
- I want wireless in my apartment. What do I need?
- How do I send email?
Answers
How many IP addresses can I get for use in my apartment?
For each of the in-room lines that you pay for, you can have up to four IP addresses at no extra charge for use on your devices. It is possible to pay for more than four public addresses without paying for an additional line. You can submit a submit a HelpSU request to find out the cost of this service.
If you have a device (an access point or a printer) that doesn't need to be accessible from outside the Stanford network, we can provide you with a private IP that does not count against your four addresses. Submit a HelpSU request indicating that you are in StanfordWest or Welch Road and need a private IP address. Provide us with the address of one of your current devices so that we know what IP range to use.
How do I request additional addresses?
Submit a HelpSU request to ask for additional addresses for your apartment. Please indicate your name, address, and apartment number so that we can enter it into our records. Please also provide your email address so that we can reach you in case of a problem with the machine associated with the address.
If I move from one apartment to another in my complex, can I keep my IP addresses?
No. The addresses don't move with you. You need to request new address(es) which can be provided to you in advance of your move. This is important because we can, and have, disabled resident's data lines for using incorrect addresses.
I want to use my laptop in StanfordWest and on campus. Can I use DHCP so that I don't have to change my settings every time I travel back and forth?
We can set it up so that you can move between your apartment and campus and get addresses via DHCP appropriate for both locations. There are a couple of caveats:
- If you need to connect to your machine by its hostname (e.g., you are running a Web or SSH server on your machine), be aware that the name of your machine doesn't follow you between locations. It's best to connect to your machine by its IP address.
- Each hardware address must be registered for DHCP to work properly.
If I activate only one jack in my apartment, how do I create a network?
For a wired network, the easiest thing to do is to buy an inexpensive hub or switch. Most inexpensive hubs have an "uplink" port that can be connected to the activated jack in your apartment with an ordinary category 5 cable. You'll need an ordinary category 5 cable to connect between the hub and each device. Each device must have its own unique address. Again, you don't need a DSL router. A hub is sufficient.
I want wireless in my apartment. What do I need?
The configuration and maintenance of any home network (wireless or otherwise) is the responsibility of the resident. IT Services only provides detailed configuration assistance on a for-fee basis.
At the time of compiling this FAQ, the Stanford Wireless Network uses 802.11b by an overwhelming margin. The 802.11g protocol is faster and is compatible with 802.11b (i.e., 802.11g cards can connect to 802.11b access points and vice-versa, though the higher speeds are allowed if both the wireless card and access point support 802.11g). We do not recommend using 802.11a, because it is very rarely used on campus and is not compatible with 802.11b.
The simplest way to connect an access point is to request a private IP address for your access point. Configure the access point with this address and connect the device to your activated jack or your hub.
If, by chance, you already own a DSL router from a previous residence and wish to use it, here are some general guidelines:
- Connect the "WAN" port on the DSL router to the activated jack in your apartment. For Apple Airport base stations, the WAN port is labeled with a circular "O" icon. The LAN port (which connects to other devices is labeled with a double-ended arrow like this "<->". Never connect the "LAN" ports on a DSL router to your wall jack as this may disrupt the service of other users and prompt us to shut off your network service.
- Give your DSL router the address of one of your devices. You can use a private IP address for an access point, but you cannot use one for a DSL router.
- Connect all of your devices to the LAN port(s) on your DSL router. You may need to buy an inexpensive hub if your DSL router does not provide enough ports for all of your devices.
- You will need to change the IP addresses of all your other devices to an appropriate address compatible with your DSL router. You will need to refer to your DSL router documentation for the specific IP address range to use.
How do I send email?
Stanford requires all outgoing email to be sent through smtp.stanford.edu ro smtp-roam.stanford.edu. For more information see Stanford's email services.
If you have general questions about these recommendations or if you would like to use our for-fee service for configuration help, please submit a HelpSU Request.
