U Waterloo ResNet policies

[Tony]

UW has gotten a residence network (ResNet) use policy update. Some points are funny; some points are scary; all around an interesting read.

http://www.housing.uwaterloo.ca/resnet/incoming/vistapg3.html

Quote:

Even if you don't download anything, using P2P software is grounds for immediate disconnection and a $25 fine. Before moving into residence un-install any file sharing programs.

Quote:

Each ResNet port is configured to automatically disable if a second computer is plugged into the wall jack. If you switch computers, you'll have to contact our office and ask for a port reset.

Quote:

If you use Valve's Steam software ... After you move in, do not refresh your server list, or you may be disconnected.

Oh, and that message about 1000 MB/day cap? That's for Vista users. XP users get just 500 MB. http://www.housing.uwaterloo.ca/resnet/incoming/page9.html

Linux, OS X, and anyone else can plead ignorance, as none of this is even shown to them during the setup "steps" -- http://www.housing.uwaterloo.ca/resnet/resnet/setup.html

[bugzpodder]

I heard of these rules a long time back. Unless I am mistaken, I don't think it's new.

[Tony]

Perhaps. It's new since I've started (or I wasn't told about any of this, and managed to not come across this otherwise).

[md]

If you read the "linux" setup instructions they are pretty Ubuntu specific.

Resnet is a teriffic idea, but only if it's managed and run like an ISP. As is I ate up all my bandwidth for the week in 2 hours when I was in res during first year. Rogers was installed the next day.

[iluvchairs112]

do they not have wireless in most residences anyway?

[Tony]

No; I don't think there's wireless access in residences (that is, unless someone sets up unsecured routers). There is wireless throughout the campus though. I guess the two networks are somewhat different.

[md]

The only wireless in residence that I know of was in UWP on the second floor right above the student center place. And that was only because you could sometimes get a signal from the office there.

[PaulButler]

iluvchairs112 @ Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:10 pm wrote:

do they not have wireless in most residences anyway?

Seems this is new this year. I got this in an automated email from ResNet a few weeks back:

Quote:

Wireless in Residence

You talked and we listened! Instead of telephone service, we have provided wireless connectivity in all of our residence facilities for the fall term.

[CodeMonkey2000]

awww no p2p downloading?

[Tony]

Oh yeah, that's right. UW rez has dropped their landline phone services. Thx for the info Paul.

[MichaelM]

Do you guys know much about DC++ and how these rules apply to it? How do you download/connect to DC++ for use within Waterloo?

[Tony]

yeah, I've heard of people using DC++ in residence. I hear it's blazingly fast. If bugz is right, and the policies were in place, then I guess it works regardless; Though be aware of the caps and the rules, if you plan on breaking them

[Roman]

Is DC++ supposed to let you bypass the limits :S? Or just harder to track?

I've hit the limit about 2-3 times today. It's quite a pain. I don't much like it, but ResNet is "free" so might as well make do this year =)

And they ARE offering wireless, but it doesn't work properly for me or my suite-mates.

[md]

IIRC the resnet limit does not apply to traffic on the local network, but does apply to computers on campus (such as teh math computers).

Some enterprising students in my first year discovered they could tunnel all their traffic through the math servers and not get hit by the traffic limit