Network Connections
Fitzwilliam College has a data network infrastructure (FCDN) designed to provide easy access to departmental and central University resources, e-mail and the Internet. The FCDN is an extension of the Cambridge University Data Network (CUDN) and the UK Joint Academic Network (JANET).
Students and Fellows may connect their own computers to the FCDN from their rooms, and make use of network and Internet services with all the advantages of broadband 'always-on' connectivity (similar to that provided by commercial companies in the form of Cable Modems and ADSL, but faster).
The Library, the Bar and most meeting rooms are covered by a Wireless network. To use it, Students & Fellows need to connect to ‘fitz-acad’ or ‘fitz-acad(n)’ wireless networks. The password that is needed can be found on notices in both the Library and the Bar. After connecting for the first time, users must go through the registration process in the same way they do with wired connection as described below.
Please visit the IT Charges page for details about network connection charges.
Getting Connected to the College Network
You will need the following:
- A network (ethernet) card (most computers have these built-in).
- A network cable (you can borrow one from the IT Office free of charge). Please make sure you use a network cable and not a modem cable.
- A PWF or Raven username and password for authentication purposes (for further information see New users).
- A computer which has DHCP enabled (this is the default on most computers).
Registration
Using your network cable plug your computer into a network socket in your room. Please try all network sockets in your room that do not have a telephone plugged into them.
When connecting to the FCDN for the first time, Windows Vista and 7 users will see a window that allows them to choose the location for 'fitz.cam.ac.uk' network. They should choose 'Public network'.
Double-click on your preferred Internet browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Firefox). You should automatically be taken to the College Network Registration page (https://register.fitz.cam.ac.uk/). If not, attempt to browse to an alternative website (e.g. the BBC website). Follow the on-screen instructions, filling in your details where relevant.
To obtain your username and passwords follow the instructions on the New users page.
If you choose Standard Registration, it will take around 5 to 10 minutes to register. Once you have registered you should be connected to the network.
Note: You should always choose Standard Registration unless you have a very good reason for needing a public IP address. Public IP addresses need to be approved by the IT Office, this will take 2-5 working days and will not be approved unless a good reason is provided during the application.
Getting Additional/New Computers Connected
If you are replacing your computer, plug your new computer into the network and login to the College Network Registration site. Click on the Register as Current Computer link and follow the on-screen instructions.
To get more than one machine connected to the network you will need to repeat the registration process. Please note that each additional machine connected to the network will need to get approved by the IT Office. Therefore, please state on the registration form that this is either a second (or third etc...) machine.
Rules and Regulations
The use of the network is subject to rules both from the University (http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/isss/rules/guidelines.html) and Fitzwilliam College (http://fitz.cam.ac.uk/computing/network-connections/fcdn-connection-conditions-of-use).
Troubleshooting
If you are having problems getting to the College Network Registration Page this could be a result of several problems, of which the most common are:
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is not enabled. Click here for instructions on how to do this for various operating systems.
- Your Internet browser proxy server settings are incorrectly configured. Click here for instructions on how to correctly configure them.