Argonne Guest House: Computer/Network Access

The Argonne Conference Center and Guest House offers free Internet service for your computer using either a wireless or a wired connection All areas have wireless service and in addition, every guest room has a network connection wired to the Internet (The Yellow Jack). Services are provided to automatically supply an IP network number to your properly configured Computer.

To use the network connection your computer must be equipped either with a wireless adapter or a network adapter (Ethernet card) and the software must be properly configured. Computers must have the TCP/IP network protocol installed and your OS must be configured to automatically obtain IP addresses from a server.

Connection Instructions

Windows XP:

STEP 1: Set up DHCP

If you know that your computer is set up to automatically obtain an IP address, you may skip to step 2.
  1. Select Start > Control Panel > Network Connections (depending on the view, this might be labeled "Network and Internet Connections."
  2. Right-click Local Area Connection, and then select Properties.
  3. In the General information tab, make sure that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is checked and highlighted, and then click Properties.
  4. Make sure that the "Obtain an IP address automatically" radio button is selected. The "Obtain DNS server address automatically" should also be selected.
  5. Click "OK" on all the opened windows to close them.
  6. Restart your computer if prompted. Your computer is now configured for DHCP.

STEP 2: Connect to Network

Wireless networking is integrated into Windows XP. Windows XP automatically polls the area for available wireless access points. If one is present, Windows XP tries to connect to it. Sometimes, you find that even though there is a wireless network in the area, Windows XP cannot recognize it. If this situation occurs, you must manually add the network.
  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Network Connections.
  3. Right-click Wireless Network Connection and then select Properties.
  4. Click the Wireless Networks tab. A list of wireless networks appears in the Available networks box.
  5. Under Preferred networks, click Add. Click OK.
  6. Proceed to Visitor Network Registration.

Macintosh:

  1. Using either the AirPort Menu or the Internet Connect application, you can select the Guest House wireless network when it is in range. If AirPort is off, you will need to select "Turn Airport On" before you can proceed.
  2. Select the Guest House wireless network from the list of available networks.
  3. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu and click on the Network icon.
  4. From the "Location" menu, select New Location. Enter a name for this location in the dialog box that opens and click OK.
  5. Set the "Show" menu to AirPort.
  6. Click on the TCP/IP tab and make sure that Using DHCP is selected in the "Configure" menu.
  7. Proceed to Visitor Network Registration.

Visitor Network Registration

When you first access the Argonne wireless system, a web page will ask you to agree to the Argonne security and privacy notice and to have your computer scanned for common security vulnerabilities. When you click to agree, you will be asked to register with Argonne by supplying your name, email address, a telephone number where you can be reached while using the network, an Argonne contact person and the name of your home institution. Upon completion of this form your computer will be allowed on the visitor network. No changes will be made to your computer and no information will be copied from your computer. Failure to agree to this policy will result in denial of access to the visitor network.

Computers granted access to the visitor networks will be denied access if subsequent suspicious network activity is detected. If this occurs, a web page indicating that your access has been revoked will appear and your computer will not have network access. If this occurs, call the APS Support Request phone line at 630-252-9700 during normal business hours for assistance. Your machine will not be permitted on the network until it has been scanned by IT staff and verified that it is not a threat.

NOTE: If you have installed a Personal Firewall System you need to be sure this firewall is not blocking Internet Access. You may need to authorize access while you are using the connection. Please refer to your vendor's documentation for instructions on how to do this.

Limitations and Disclaimers

  • No support is offered by Argonne for computer problems.
  • E-mail services are NOT provided by Argonne to anyone at the Guest House. You must configure your e-mail applications for use with your regular service provider. Argonne Employees should use the Argonne VPN to connect to the Argonne network.
  • Do not plug a modem into this network connection. Use the jack built into the room telephone if your computer is furnished with a modem.
  • Argonne cannot provide assistance to users in acquiring necessary software packages or installing them. No guarantee is provided that a computer will be able to make a successful connection, even if the above software configurations are installed, since many factors (including other software packages on the computer) may interfere with a connection.
  • Argonne assumes no responsibility for any alterations or interference with a computer's configuration, operation or data files resulting from connection to the Argonne network. Argonne assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user's equipment, software, data files, or other personal property brought into or used at Argonne facilities.