Network Procedures

• Service Level Agreement
• Registering a Network Host
• Obtaining an Internet Domain Name Outside of the NCSU.EDU Domain
• New Policy Pertaining to Port Activations

1. Why Register a Host?
   • All hosts (computers) on the NC State University network must be registered with an accurate and unique IP address. If the IP addresses of two or more hosts are not unique, the machines will not function properly, and they may disrupt campus network services.
2. How to Register a Host?
   • Students living in residence halls or on Greek Court must register computers connected to the network through ResNet.
   • Others who wish to connect a new host to the campus network should contact their local area network (LAN) administrators.
   • LAN and other computing and network administrators are responsible for connecting and registering new hosts on the university network: please use this Host/IP Registration Site.
3. A Note of Caution
   • The network set-up of a host is NOT limited to the use of an approval IP address. There are many other issues such as the domain name of your host, your gateway IP number, your DNS (or domain name server) IP number, your address mask, etc. Incorrect setting of any of relevant parameters can result in incorrect function of your computer and in disruption of campus network services. Furthermore, if your computer services and security features are not set-up properly, your machine amy represent a security risk to you, the campus, and the world at large. DO NOT configure your computer's network connections unless you are quite familiar with the procedures and issues involved. Instead, please contact your local area network (LAN) administrator for help.
   • If you have any questions, please e-mail support@ncstate.net.

Obtaining an Internet Domain Name Outside of the NCSU.EDU Domain

University computers must be registered with NC State in University approved domains. It is forbidden to register a non-University approved domain for any computer that is connected to the NC State network without approval of the Vice Chancellor for Information Technology or his designee. If such approval is given, it must be made clear that this domain is using NC State IT Resources for delivery.

The following document outlines the resources you will need and the procedures you need to follow if you are affiliated with NC State, connected to the NC State data network, and wish to receive approval to register and operate an Internet domain outside the ncsu.edu domain for use on the NC State network.

1. Allocate Web server and support for your Web Content
   • If you believe Information Technology's Web Services group will maintain your server, this must be verified with webmaster@ncsu.edu
   • Important Note: Some individuals and organizations wish to register a unique domain on the internet without realizing this does not mean Web content will automatically be available. A domain name is not just a URL, and registering a domain name is not a way of obtaining Web hosting services or a shortened URL for an existing Web site. For more information, see a brief Explanation of Internet Domain Names
2. List the domain name with a Domain Name System (DNS) Server
   • Before a domain name can be officially registered with the Internet, it must be listed on an Internet DNS server. If the Web server for the new domain is to be connected to the NC State network, special permission must be obtained and the domain name must be listed with the NC State DNS servers. Permission is required to assure appropriate use of university resources and to comply with university regulations.
   • To obtain approval to list a domain name on the NC State DNS fill out the online DNS request form.
   • If your request is approved, you will be sent the DNS information you need in order to register the new domain name with the Internet.
3. Register the domain name with an Internet registration service.
   • Network Solutions (networksolutions.com) is the university's preferred registration service. After you register the new domain name with an official Internet registration service, you will receive an acknowledgment. (Note: The group requesting the new domain name is responsible for paying the registration fee.) Forward the registration acknowledgment to: support@ncstate.net. After a few days, the new domain name will appear on the Internet root servers and it will be added to the NC State DNS servers. A confirmation message will be returned to you to let you know that the new domain is now in place.
4. Register the server for the domain with NC State.
   • The domain host (name and IP address) must be registered with NC State through the local LAN administrator for the department or building where the server is housed. (See the NC State LAN administrator list or call 919.513.9675.)

New Policy Pertaining to Port Activations

 Effective February 20, 2006, ComTech began charging departments $100 for all new port activations requested on the NC State network. This charge is intended to establish a more equitable model for adding additional network equipment in the Telcom closets. In the past, departments have been charged the full price for a switch when a request for a new port to be activated exceeded current Telcom closet capacity. Now they will be charged a one time fee of $100 for new port activation. To place a request for new port activation, please fill out the ComTech Online Order form. For information on who in your department has access to the ComTech Online Order form, please have your departmental OUC and go to https://mysoftapp.comtech.ncsu.edu/selfservice. If you are authorized to submit orders using the ComTech Online Order form but need information on how to use it please see our Online Training Tutorial  for the Online Self-Service Request Form.

Port deactivation will occur twice a year - once during Spring semester and once during Fall semester. The deactivation will occur on the last day to drop a class as listed in the Academic calendar. Any port that has not been used in the last 90 days prior to this date (or that has not been exempted) will be deactivated. Moves from one location to another will not be charged the $100 as long as additional switch ports are not utilized; however, time and material charges will still apply.

Any building undergoing major renovation will not be subject to the port deactivation procedure while construction is underway.

• Current buildings include:
  • South Gardner
  • Daniels
  • Peele Hall
  • Withers

New building/major renovations will not be charged the $100 activation fee during the course of relocating into the building. Once the move is complete, a 60 day grace period will be granted to the departments requesting port activation. However, time and materials will be charged for port patching requests. After the 60 days, all port patching/activation requests will be charged the $100 fee.

Valid exceptions to not having the port deactivated are:

• Conference rooms
• Classrooms
• Persons on Sabbatical
• Server room switches
• All other requests must be approved by ComTech

LAN Administrators are the only persons allowed to submit port exemptions for their respective buildings. If your building does not have a LAN Administrator or you do not know who your LAN Administrator is, please contact the Network Operations Center (919-513-9675) for further assistance. Further information and requests for exceptions to the $100 port charge can be found at http://scripts.comtech.ncsu.edu/pems/index.php (authorized LAN Administrators only). Questions or concerns may be shared with ComTech at support@ncstate.net.

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