Broad Center Network Services
What jacks are active?
In Broad, all wall plates have four jack locations. These jacks are labeled "A", "B", "C" and "D". As a rule of thumb, the "A" and "B" jacks are reserved for data, meaning a computer network connection. "C" jacks are either used for data, or reserved for future use. "D" jacks are reserved for telephone. Please be aware that a cable may not be wired to all jacks; you will need to visually inspect the wall plate to see what is provided for each particular area.
Live network connections can be found where "A" jacks are coppered for parts of the building, which were occupied when the building was opened in September 2002. Additional live network connections are provided where "C" jacks are coppered. It is possible that the area where you are trying to connect a computer to does not have a live network jack. Please contact the Caltech Network Operations Group with the room number and port ID to find out if that port is active.
"B" jacks are reserved for future use and may be activated upon request.
Where do I get patch cables for my office/lab?
Cat 6 network cables may be purchased at Caltech Wired.
How do I get an IP address?
DHCP is enabled on all networks located in the building. By connecting your computer to a live network jack and configuring your computer to "Obtain Address From Server", your computer will automatically obtain an address.
If a static address is needed, submit a request at http://help.caltech.edu (request type IMSS-->Network, Wireless & Remote Access-->Host and Address Requests (DNS, DHCP))with the room number, the administrative contact information, and MAC address of the device. Please be aware that hostmaster can only issue addresses for the building network. If you are on a private network in Broad, you will need to contact your system administrator.
Please familiarize yourself with Network Policies and DNS/Hostmaster Address assignment and requirements for additional information regarding address assignments.
In some labs, special network arrangements will be needed. If you are part of a lab which requires a firewall or private network, IMSS needs the wall plate ID (a number across the top of the wall plate), the jack ID and the MAC address of the device to be placed on the private network. If you are not able to provide a wall plate ID (if, for instance, the wall plate is hidden by furniture), provide the MAC address and the IP address obtained by the device.
What do I do if I need a network jack activated?
Broad has a unique network environment compared to the rest of campus. Network ports were activated by request of the project manager in charge of construction or by a building occupant. This was done on a port by port basis, leaving many network ports in Broad without electronics to make those network ports active. This was done as a cost savings measure and ports that were added prior to December 2002 were paid for by the construction budget.
At the time of this update, there was a charge of $206 per port activation. This fee covered the cost of the electronics to support the network port.
If you are moving in to an office/lab space, which has never been used, it is very likely that you will need to arrange to have the network ports in that area activated. If you are in a space which is already occupied, but the network port you connect a piece of equipment to does not allow you to connect to other computers, there is a chance that there are no electronics to support that network port. The Caltech Network Operations Group has a list of which ports are active and what network those ports are assigned to. Submit a request at http://help.caltech.edu (request type IMSS-->Network, Wireless & Remote Access-->Other)with the room and port number in question and we will happily tell you the status of that port.
If there is a need for the "D" jack to be used as a data jack, arrangements can be made. Please submit a request at http://help.caltech.edu (request type IMSS-->Network, Wireless & Remote Access-->Other)and include the room and port number.
What network is a port on?
Broad allows for network ports to be on the building net or one of a number of private networks running through the building. At this time, there are private networks for the Mayo research group and the Bjorkman/Rees research group. The auditorium is served by a private network which allows access to other networks on campus and the Internet, but is configured in such a manner that computers outside the auditorium cannot see in.
If you have questions as to what network a specific port is on, please submit a request at http://help.caltech.edu (request type IMSS-->Network, Wireless & Remote Access-->Other)with the room and port number in question and we will happily tell you the status of that port.
What do I do if I need a phone connected?
Phone service is provided on an "As Requested" basis. The Telecommunications Office handles telecommunications needs and can be reached at x5995, or by submitting a request at http://help.caltech.edu (request type IMSS-->Phones-->Campus Phones).
By default, the "D" jack will be used for Voice Services. If there is no available "D" jack, the "B" jack can be re-tasked to be used for Voice Services. Please note that a jack cannot be used for two different services at the same time.
Who do I contact if I need help?
Submit a request for the following Services:
- Need an IP
- Submit a request at http://help.caltech.edu: request type IMSS-->Network, Wireless & Remote Access-->Host and Address Requests (DNS, DHCP)
- Need an additional active jack
- Submit a request at http://help.caltech.edu: request type IMSS-->Network, Wireless & Remote Access-->Other