ISUnet Services

Network Cabling

Typically on campus, cabling is already available in the locations where connectivity to ISUnet is needed. In this event, all that may be needed is a patch cord or balun and an activation request to Telecommunications and Networking. Occasionally, additional cabling may be needed where a jack is not currently present.

When a new jack is needed, cabling must be installed between the new location and an assigned floor closet. Only certified installers may install cabling within a building infrastructure (ie: walls, floors, and ceiling). This includes technicians within Telecommunications and Networking, electricians within Facilities Management, and certified cable installers. All projects involving the installation of cabling must be reviewed by Telecommunications and Networking to ensure that University and industry standards are met.

All UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair -- four pair cabling standard since January 1996) cabling must conform to the category 5 specification or higher as defined by the EIA/TIA international standards committee. All cabling installations must conform to University cabling standards as defined by Telecommunications and Networking and must pass line scanner tests before they can be used. Network or telephone service requests will not be processed until cabling documentation has been received and reviewed.

Patch cords and baluns for the older STP (Shielded Twisted Pair -- two pair cabling standard prior to January 1996) or newer UTP jacks can be obtained from TechZone on campus or another vendor of your chosing. Departments may not use homemade patch cords since these cables are not certified.

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Electronics

Connectivity to ISUnet and the Internet also involves the use of desktop electronics. Currently, Telecommunications and Networking only supports ethernet connectivity on campus using two different access speeds -- 10/100 Mbps auto sensing and 1000 Mbps. Token ring technology is no longer supported on campus as of December 31, 2001.

10 Mbps is being changed to the 10/100 Mbps auto sensing connectivity across the campus. This includes jacks with existing STP cabling, UDC connecors, and 10BaseT baluns, since our vendors have determined these locaitons also support fast ethernet depending on run length and quality of termination.

Since 1995, 10BaseT (10 Mbps) ethernet had been supported on ISUnet, and as of January 1997, switched ethernet became the preferred means for connectivity to ISUnet. Thinnet (coaxial) ethernet and localtalk are no longer supported on ISUnet as of July 1, 1999.

Telecommunications and Networking does not install or maintain network interface cards on end-user computers, servers, or other network attached devices.

Only Telecommunications and Networking may install and maintain network electronics such as concentrators, hubs, switches, routers, repeaters and similar hardware (including wireless equipment) on ISUnet that provide connectivity to campus and Internet resources. This practice ensures the reliability and security of connectivity for all users on ISUnet. It also allows the University to follow product and configuration standards that helps to ensure the stability of the network with the minimal amount of support resources needed.

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Addressing

Connectivity to ISUnet and the Internet also involves the management of addressing. This includes both network addresses and names, since both of these elements are dependent upon the technology.

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