Internet Access
BU provides Ethernet in offices and residence halls, wireless access from many locations on campus, and modem dialup services for people who still need it. You may also choose to use a different (commercial) Internet Service Provider and connect to BU resources via that ISP. The instructions provided below will assist you in making any of these connections.
Note: If you are on the Medical Campus, please read the separate BUMC instructions for Ethernet and Wireless connections.
IT staff only: Understanding levels of access to the BU Network
Connecting from on campus
BU
Ethernet network
If you work on the BU Charles River Campus, or if you live in an on-campus residence
(and have paid the ResNet
fee) see this page for information on your Ethernet connection.
BU wireless network
Wireless service for laptops is available
from certain locations on campus.
A special guide for international students
Please review this information if you are an incoming international student, particularly a CELOP student.
BU
Medical Campus networking
If you are on the BU Medical
Campus, please read the BU Medical Campus page for information on
Ethernet, VPN and wireless networking on the Medical Campus.
Connecting from off campus
Using a different
ISP
Learn how to access BU resources from anywhere.
Using a
calling card (for dial-up) with Windows XP
If you are traveling and don't have
access to a local ISP, you can dial in with a modem, and may want
to use a phone card.
Remotely connecting to BU resources
If you are trying to access BU resources when you are not directly connected to the network, you will first
need to connect to the VPN (www.bu.edu/pcsc/vpn). The VPN assigns a virtual BU IP
address to your computer so that you can access servers, printers, FileMaker databases, Active Directory resources (such as Exchange servers) or other restricted resources when you are not directly connected.
Engineering students connecting to the X drive
If you are trying to access your X drive from off campus, you will first
need to connect to the VPN (www.bu.edu/pcsc/vpn). Mac users: Once you've connected
to the VPN, from the Go menu choose Connect to Server... and for the
Server Address type smb://eng-home/users/a/s/asenai. Use your BU
Login name and Kerberos password to log on. For help with this process, please see www.bu.edu/engit/.
BU modem dial-Up
If you are off-campus you can dial
in with a modem. Please note that BU does not offer an 800 service
so if the phone call to Boston is not free for you, you should consider
using a different ISP.