Network Access from Manoa Classrooms
by Jan Kawachi

The Manoa classroom connectivity project is in full swing, bringing UHNet, Internet, and Internet2 access to all general-purpose classrooms on the UH Manoa campus. Beginning summer 2002, instructors or student presenters will be able to connect to the network from Manoa general-purpose classrooms using their own computer notebooks, or in some cases, computers installed in the classrooms. The availability of network connections in classrooms opens up new and exciting possibilities for teaching and learning. Online applications can be demonstrated live, Web pages with information related to the current class topic can be browsed, and Web searches can be done on the fly. The sky's the limit as instructors have resources from the network at their fingertips.

Many of the Manoa's general-purpose classrooms have computers installed by the Center for Instructional Support (CIS). A listing of computer equipment installed at each site as well as procedures to use the equipment are available at the CIS Web site.

To access the network from a computer installed in a classroom, turn on the computer and click on the Internet Explorer or Netscape icon. A Web browser must be started up first before you can use any other Internet application. A green screen with the words "Nomadix" will appear briefly, then redirect you to http://www.cis.hawaii.edu, which is the default home page on all classroom computers. At that point, you can continue to use the browser to view other Web sites, minimize the window for future use, or close the browser application. Along with the Web browser, you can use any IP-based application such as telnet or ftp. Access will remain open until you shut down the computer.

If you bring in your own notebook to the classroom, check the following before class:

1. Internet Explorer or Netscape must be installed on your system. The following versions have been tested. There may be issues with other versions of the browsers:
   PC computers - Internet Explorer (IE) 5.5, Netscape Communicator 4.77
   Macintosh systems - Internet Explorer 5.0 or 5.1, Netscape Communicator 4.77
   
   Current versions of these software are available for download or can be obtained from the ITS CDROM. Please refer to The Support Services Software Web page. If you need additional assistance, call the ITS Help Desk at 956-8883 or visit any of the ITS labs.
   
   
2. Your computer must have an Ethernet network interface card and appropriate drivers.
   
   
3. You will need a 10baseT straight cable to connect your notebook to the network. In most classrooms, a 12-foot cable will be adequate, but be sureto check with your specific classroom for the length needed. Note: some classrooms have USOC connections, in which case a coupler will be needed for you to be able to use the straight cable. Check the CIS Web site or call CIS at 956-8075 for more information.

On the day of your class, arrive early to set up your computer. You will find a data jack with a cable running from the jack to the CIS cabinet. Disconnect the cable and connect your 10BaseT straight cable. Attach the other end of the cable to your computer. Turn on your computer. You do not need to change any of your network settings as the classroom network is connected to a plug-and-play gateway that will provide transparent connectivity. A dynamic IP address will automatically be assigned to your computer. As with the classroom computer, you must first open a Web browser to start any type of network access. When you do this, a window will open and you will be asked to input your ITS username and password. Type this in, and you're on your way! You can then change the URL and continue to use the Web browser, or you can minimize or close it. Access to the network will remain open until you shut down your computer.

If you have any questions regarding access to the network from the classrooms or other services offered by the Center for Instructional Support, you may contact them at 956-8075 or visit their Web site at http://www.cis.hawaii.edu.