Frequently Asked Questions
About Student Computer Network Registration
(NetReg)

 

1. What is NetReg?
   NetReg is a University of Montevallo Network service that produces an association between you and any network device you register in an institutional database.  This database is subsequently used to assign your network device an Internet address – also known as an IP address – associating you with the address you’re assigned.
    
2. What is the purpose of NetReg?
   The University of Montevallo’s network provides high speed access to the Internet and campus network services to thousands of network devices.  If any one of these devices is improperly configured, malfunctioning, or compromised by a virus, worm, or other malicious intrusion, it can affect the performance of the University of Montevallo’s network and the availability of the network resources overall.  Without NetReg, a malfunctioning network device can only be identified by its Internet address.  Using this address to determine who to contact in response to a problem is difficult and time consuming.  With NetReg’s association of ForUM Email login names to network addresses, we can determine who to contact in response to a problem more quickly and efficiently.  Furthermore, since NetReg compiles a list of users, we can send important announcements to the network community regarding upgrades and maintenance activities.
    
3. After I register and reboot my computer, how do I know I’m registered?
   Once you register and reboot your computer, you should have access to the UM network resources and the Internet.  For example, if you can successfully direct your web browser to a web service such as Google (http://www.google.com), you and your computer have been successfully registered.

   
    

4. How often will I need to register?
   You will only need to register your network device(s) once at the beginning of each major term (Summer, Fall, and Spring).  This is to make sure that all information is kept up to date.
    
5. Does NetReg reconfigure, install software, or place information on my computer?
   No.  NetReg simply creates a record in the NetReg database with your network address, login name, and contact/computer information.
    
6. If I replace my network card, will I need to re-register my computer?
   Yes.  Each network device is registered by the unique hardware address (MAC address) belonging to the network card in your computer.  If you change your network card, your computer will appear as a totally new device on the network.
    
7. I have visitors who want to connect their computer to my network connection.  Can they register their computers?
   Only someone who is enrolled at the University of Montevallo and has a ForUM Email login name can register a computer on the network.  If you have guest who want to use the network while they’re here, you may register their computers in your name.  However, you will be held accountable for their use of the University’s network.
    
8. There is only one network connection in my room.  What should I do to share my connection with my roommate?
   We recommend purchasing a network hub or switch to share your network connection.  If you want to use a wireless router, see Student-Owned Wireless Routers for more information on how to properly configure this type of device for use.
    
9. If I need assistance, who should I call?
   For assistance connecting to the University of Montevallo’s network, contact the Technology Services Help Desk at (205) 665-6520 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Updated November 2009