Roaming Network in Halls
Welcome to the University of Plymouth.
The University of Plymouth provides wired Roaming Internet Access available throughout the main
campuses, including the Gilwell, Pilgrim, Radnor, Robbins, Mary Newman and Francis Drake halls of
residence.
As a resident of these halls you can connect directly to the University’s Roaming network through a
socket in your room.
The Roaming Internet Access network consists of wired and wireless access
points.

Wired access points (Ethernet sockets) are the traditional form of
gaining access to a network. Your computer is physically connected to
the network via an Ethernet cable. This is the connection available in Halls of Residence

Wireless access points (Wi-Fi) are available throughout the University Campus. Wi-Fi is available
in designated areas but NOT in halls of residence.
Both of these connections support web browsing (Port 80) ONLY. You will NOT be able to use Email
clients, Peer-to-peer or games consoles on the University Roaming networks.
NOTE: In order for you to be able to use your personal computer to access the Internet via the
University network it is a requirement that your computer is running up to date anti-virus software.
If your computer does not have anti-virus software installed, the university can provide licensed antivirus software to all registered staff and students if required. For more information please follow this
link after you have registered for your computing account (a University Log-on is required);
https://exchange.plymouth.ac.uk/intranet/computing/Public/virus%20protection/antivirus%20service.htm
The university offers full technical support for Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system and a best
effort technical support for other versions of Microsoft Windows (including non English language
versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista and 7), Mac OS and Linux is available.
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What you need to do…
Before you arrive…

The service requires that you have an Ethernet network adapter. Most
computers and laptops already have a built-in network adapter but
some do not. If you are unsure, check your computer’s manual or
contact the manufacturer.
If you don’t have a network adapter, they can be purchased from any computer
retailer - a PCI card is an option for desktops, a PC card or PCMCIA card for laptops.
Alternatively, a USB network adapter can be used for either and does not require
the computer to be opened for installation.

An Ethernet network cable will also be required in order to connect to the
network. This too can be purchased from any computer retailer or the
Students Union Shop on Campus (a two or three metre cable is
recommended). Please ensure when purchasing a network cable that you
DO NOT purchase a crossover or x-over cable as these will not work. Only
purchase a straight-through or patch cable.
Note to laptop owners: Laptops are normally supplied with modem cables. These cannot be used to
connect to the wired Roaming network, an Ethernet cable is required.
When you arrive…

Plug in one end of your Ethernet cable into the wall socket in your
room, and the other into your laptop and you should be able to access
the internet immediately.
We recommend that you check that your computer is capable of connecting to the network before
you arrive.
For further information, please email [email protected]
or telephone 01752 569983
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