There are a number of steps that must be performed in the process of connecting individual workstations to the UConn network. Getting connected requires you to have your PC: a) hardware connected, b) software connected, and c) identified to the centrally maintained data bases. Hardware connecting your PC involves installing a Network Interface Card in your PC, connecting that card to a data jack (the plate that usually also connects your telephone), and then "punching down" the connection through the building and to the University LAN. Software is also required on your PC to establish the appropriate protocols and, in the case of the University IBM mainframe, terminal emulation (3270 emulation). Finally, your PC must be identified in the central data bases and, in the case of Internet connection, an IP address must be assigned to identify your PC as a host on the Internet. If you intend to use your PC to access the internet using such client software as Mosaic, the PC also has basic hardware requirements.

Many offices and departments do not have individuals who are able to devote the required time or have adequate expertise to coordinate this process. Departments may request the Computer Center to coordinate all phases of the process and install all appropriate hardware and software on their behalf. To do this, a memo signed by a dean, director, or department head should be sent to Mac Toedt, Executive Director, Computer Center, U-138. The memo should clearly indicate: a) the number of computers to be connected, building and room location(s), b) brand of computer, c) type of CPU, d) data jack numbers, and e) the name and phone number of a contact person in the department. After UCC receives the memo, your request will be assigned a project number and a memo will be sent indicating this number and a contact person should you have questions about your request. The Information Systems Support Group will assign a project leader to handle your request. Please note that because of the number of these requests, there may be a time delay in getting to your specific request. Every attempt will be made to service you as efficiently as possible.

Some departments or individual users may feel that they have sufficient time and expertise to work through the several steps required to connect to the UConn network. Option B is offered for these users. It assumes that you will act as your own project coordinator and installer. The following procedure attempts to guide you as efficiently as possible through the steps. Should you at any point in the process feel that you are unable to proceed, you may drop back to Option A by sending a memo requesting completion of the service. If you do invoke Option A at some point, your memo should clearly state that you atttempted Option B and indicate how far you have progressed. Here are the connection instructions.

1. Call Data Communications at 486-xxxx. You will likely be put in contact with a voice mailbox requesting several important points of information:

a. Your Name

b. The telephone number where you can be reached during the day

c. your building location

d. The nature of your connection request including number of machines to be network connected

and any special factors.

You will receive a call from Data Communications. Calls will be returned as quickly as possible. However, if you do not receive a call back within a week, call the above number again. Data Communications personnel will ask you a number of questions designed to better determine your connectivity needs. As a result of your conversation with Data Communications, you will be told what Network Interface Card to purchase and/or any special considerations appropriate to proceeding.
2. Purchase a Network Interface Card - This is the Ethernet or Token Ring card that is required to interface your computer to the network. These cards can be purchased a) through the Coop, or b) through outside vendors . Do not purchase any Network Interface Card without contacting Data Communications through the procedure noted above.
3. Obtain a UConn Network Activity Request Form - You must fill out this form and submit it to Data Communications at U-138 before a network connection is "punched down". Help Desk personnel can assist you in filling out this form. Return the form to the address noted on the form. In order to accurately fill out this form, you must:

a. identify the make and model of the computer and its purpose on the network

b. identify the Network Adapter ID. This is the burned-in address that comes with the Network interface card that you purchased.
4. Obtain an Internet Host Application Form (Optional) - This form must be filled out if you wish to have your own computer identified as a host machine on the Internet. This is highly recommended if you intend to run such internet client software as Netscaper. Return the form to address noted on the form. Upon receipt of the Network Installation form, Data Communications will contact you when the "punch down" is complete.
5. Obtain a Network Connection Installation Diskette - This diskette will provide the software and instructions for installing your own Network Interface Card and software.
Note! If you do not feel that you are able to install your own Network Interface Card and software, do not purchase the Installation Diskette. You may instead proceed as in Option A. That is you may request installation of connection hardware and software by sending a memo to Mac Toedt, Executive Director, University Computer Center, U-138. The memo should: A. summarize the nature of your request - i.e.number of connections, building and room locations, and name of individual to coordinate the process, B. verify that network cards have been purchased and are at your location, C. have attached the completed and signed Network Activity Request Form and Internet Host Application form.

Information Systems Support (ISS) will contact you to: A. verify the information you have provided, B. coordinate with Data Communications for "punching down" the connection, C. install the Network Interface Card and Network Software - Please note that this is the necessary step to complete your network connection and implement mainframe access as well. ISS will install network connection software and mainframe emulation (3270) software at this time. Applications software such as WordPerfect or Excel cannot be installed as part of this process. Please note that ISS generally has many network connection requests in process at any given point, so please plan your needs far in advance and be patient.

5. Once you are network connected,

A. Contact the Computer Center Accounts Office for an account on the IBM mainframe - Once the physical connection to the network is established, you have a variety of capabilities available to you on the IBM mainframe through an individual CMS account including electronic mail. Obtain a mainframe account request form and an email request form at the Computer Center Help Desk.

Please note that you do not need a mainframe account to access public information such as:

a. UCINFO - UConn's University-wide public information system

b. Phones and Email Addresses,

c. HOMER- the University Libraries system, and

d. UCLID - the on-line Class Schedule System

These systems are accessed from the initial mainframe screen (UCC1) and do not require logging on.

B. Contact an Administrative Application Systems Administrator for access to University Administrative Systems - you must have appropriate access for such systems as FRS and THESIS. Contact the system administrator for the system you wish to access. If you do not know who this is, contact the UCC Help Desk at 486-HELP.