FAQ - Network Connections at Bilkent Main Campus Housing

Ethernet Network connections are available only at lodgings located at the main campus (Buildings 1-46, 79 and 80) and Bldg.105 at the Middle Campus.

Buildings 1 thru 46 (Main Campus), 101 thru 105 (Middle Campus)
Residents of buildings 1 thru 46 should contact hotline@bilkent.edu.tr for the assignment of IP addresses and other parameters.
Buildings 79 and 80
Please see the document here. (Turkcesi icin: bu belge.)

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Purpose of the Loj-Net

Purpose of the Loj-Net facility is increasing the productivity of the academic staff by providing them fast campus network access. Loj-Net users will be able to establish the same working environment in their homes with their offices, as far as speed and connectivity is concerned. We kindly ask the residents to be careful with the traffic they will generate on their Loj-Net connections. It is a well known fact that there are many services on the net like AudioGalaxy, e-Donkey etc. which enable users move huge movie files around. These services require that you run a special program which also acts as a server. These services cause huge outbound and inbound Internet traffic which hinders useful Internet usage of the others in the campus. We kindly request from Loj-Net users to be especially careful with outbound traffic and take precautions to avoid usage that does not conform with the University's objectives.

Please also note that the traffic volume is monitored campus-wide.


Where do I apply to get a Loj-Net line?

All main campus apartments will be wired for high speed network connections. The residents do not have apply anywhere to get their homes wired.
Where do I apply to get IP number(s) and other configuration information?
We shall send a note to each apartment for the IP numbers they can use while configuring their home computers. The same list will also be available in the Housing Office and BCC web pages accessible through Bilkent main web site, under Internet Services - BCC Web Services.

Three IP addresses are allocated to each apartment by default. If you have only one computer to be connected to the net, you can use any one of these IP addresses.
If you have more than three computers, please contact BCC for allocation of new IP addresses.

PLEASE DO NOT USE IP ADDRESSES OTHER THAN THE ONES ALLOCATED TO YOUR APARTMENT.

What equipment do I need to get connected to the Loj-Net?
Your computer must be equipped with a 10BaseT (10 Mbit/sec) or 100BaseT (100 Mbit/sec) (also called UTP with RJ45 connector) Ethernet Interface adapter (preferably with a 10-100 Mbit/sec autosense one). If you don't have one, the cost is about US$15 for desktop personal computers. The price could go much higher for Macintoshes. For notebook PCs, that don't already have built-in Ethernet adapters, the cost would be in the order of US$100.

You will also need a "patch chord"; a special twisted pair cable with RJ-45 connectors at both ends; to connect the wall Ethernet outlet to your computer's Ethernet interface. You can get one from the Housing Office free of charge. Pre-cut patch chords of 3m, 4m, 5m lengths are available at the Housing Office. Please note that the shorter the patch chord, the better.
Cost of a Loj-Net connection
Loj-Net connections are the courtesy of the University. It is free of charge except the equipment one might need to install computer(s) and peripherals at home. Such equipment are hubs, switches, power supplies that might be required to hook-up devices to the campus network.
How do I connect the computer(s) at home to the campus network?
BCC will provide one UTP Category-5e wall connector and three IP numbers to each apartment. If you need to connect only one computer, all you need is an Ethernet Interface adapter with UTP (RJ-45) connector and a "patch cable" which will connect your computer's network interface to the Ethernet wall outlet.

In case you need to buy a new Ethernet Adapter, please note that you cannot install all network adapters into all computers. There are a variety of incompatible interface standards and you should buy one which suits your computer. Desktop computers that are manufactured in the last 3-4 years will probably have PCI slots and installing a new PCI Ethernet adapter will be fairly easy.
 
If you have more than one computer that you want to connect to the Loj-Net, you will need an "Ethernet Hub" or "Ethernet Switch", which you must purchase and install on your own expense. We would recommend an "8 port 10/100 MBit/sec autosense" switch, which will cost 45 USD (incl VAT). Please note that connecting a switch or hub to the wall outlet requires special attention: Either a special "cross patch chord" shouldbe used or the regular patch chord must be connected to the "crossed" connector on the hub.

MetNet ( the company which installed the apartment cables ) is willing to help the Bilkent staff in acquiring Planet brand, 10/100 8 Port switches. They will retain a small inventory of these switches at BCC for easy delivery. They will provide a bank account at YKB Bilkent Branch where the cost of the switch can be deposited. The bank account and switch inventory is not ready as of 7th Aug but all are expected to be ready by 15th Aug.

What if we have more than one computer at home?
The Housing Office will provide the patch cables for each apartment. Please contact hotline@bilkent.edu.tr or the Housing Office if you need custom length cable(s).



In case you want to connect more than one computer, you will need to buy and install a switch to multiply the incoming network cable. The "crossed port" (uplink port) of the switch should be connected to the wall outlet by a patch chord and the computers should be connected to the other ports. If the switch or hub you install doesn't have a "crossed" port or "cable crossing switch", you will need a special "cross patch chord", which BCC can make you one upon request.

How do I install the Ethernet adapter into my computer?
If you are not familiar with installing hardware components into your computer, the best idea is seeking professional help.

Please note that BCC technicians will not make house-calls to install network interface cards or to setup the TCP/IP parameters.

The normal procedure to install Ethernet adapters is:

  1. Turn the power off
  2. Open up the case
  3. Insert the card to an appropriate slot
  4. Close the case
  5. Turn the computer on. If the operating system is some version of Windows, at one point you will be instructed to insert the "Driver Software Diskette". Follow the instructions beyond this point.
  6. Install the network cables,
  7. Modify/enter TCP/IP settings using the IP Address(es), DNS Server Address and Gateway Address indicated on the slip of paper dropped in you mail box.
  8. Test your connection

How do configure the TCP/IP properties?
This depends on the type and version of your operating system.
On Windows 9x and ME systems, the TCP/IP configuration is done through the "Properties" of the "Network Neighborhood". That is; right click the "Network Neighborhood" icon on your desktop and choose "Properties". Then click "TCP/IP -> Your Network Card's Name" and click the "Properties" button. Click the "IP address", "DNS Configuration" and "Gateway" tabs and enter the addresses provided to you into appropriate boxes.

On Windows 2000 and XP systems, the objective being the same, you can start changing the Network properties by double clicking the "My Network Places" icon. Then right clicking the "Local Area Connection" and choosing "Properties".
Security Considerations
Please note that unless you take some precautions, your computer will be more vulnerable to viruses, worms and network attacks compared to being connected through a dial-up service.

A few critical points that you should consider are:
  • Be extremely careful if you are using NT series operating systems like NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. These operating systems are capable of running various Internet services like web services and default configurations usually start these services automatically when you boot your system up. Don't let these services like http (IIS in Windows terminology) start automatically unless you really need them.

  • Windows NT series users should check manufacturer's site for security patches and service packs very frequently ( once every week or so) and apply any new patches.

  • Avoid MS-Outlook as the mail reading/sending software. The software is excellent but there are thousands of people thriving to exploit its vulnerabilities.

  • Install a firewall software on your computer and do not allow access to your computer from any other computer; except may be from other computers in your apartment and office. Windows XP has a built-in firewall but it needs configuring. Windows 9x computers can make use of the free firewall utility called "ZoneAlarm" which can be downloaded from "http://www.zonelabs.com". When you configure your firewall, please deny all traffic from outside and allow traffic only from the other computers in your house and in your office. You might have trouble in using certain TCP/IP application programs due to the firewall software running on your computer; in which case you should try modifying the firewall parameters rather than disabling or removing it.

    Apply all Service Packs (update pacthes) announced by the operating system manufacturer.
  • Never share disk drives or directories using MS Networking tools. Choosing "Password protected access" will not help either. Cracking these passwords takes about 20 seconds. If you need to share files among the computers in your house, create temp directories; share these and never leave critical files in these directories. If you do not have a firewall software installed, you should expect someone reading these files and directories in about 10 minutes after you mark them "shared".
What do I do if the IP number(s) I use stop working?
There is no such situation like an IP number stopping working. If you have problems with your network connection, the reason could be anything but a  "malfunctioning IP number". Please do not change your IP numbers for any reason at all. You should use ONLY the IP number(s) assigned to you for your apartment connection. If you move to a different apartment, you should notify BCC support team (hotline@bilkent.edu.tr) and get a new set of TCP/IP setting parameters.

If your computer cannot access the network, trying a different IP address will not be useful. On the contrary, it will be harmful. No two computers should have the same IP address. If you change your IP address to an arbitrary number, even for testing purposes, you will cause a disconnection for both yourself and the other resident who might be using that IP address.

What if I move to a different apartment?
IP numbers are assigned to apartments; not to the residents. Therefore if you move to a different apartment, you should change the settings of your computer according to the settings allocated to your new apartment.