The Residential Network (ResNet) provides connections to the Internet and other campus resources in residence halls and university-owned apartments.

The residence halls and University Apartments at Texas A&M University are wired with one Ethernet connection per resident. These connections can be used to access the university's computing resources and the Internet.

TAMU WiFi is also available in residence halls and university apartments.

Getting Started

To use the wired connection, students need a 10/100/1000 Base-T ethernet card installed in their computer and an RJ-45 ethernet cable. The Ethernet cable should be 15-20 feet long.

Help and Support

Go to the ResNet page in the Knowledge Base for help on connecting to ResNet.

Acceptable Use Policy

The Texas A&M University Network is governed by rules covering responsibilities when connecting to the network. These rules are not optional. All faculty, staff, and students are bound by their affiliation to the university to follow these rules. Ignorance of these rules is not a valid excuse for not following them. Please review the Acceptable Use Policy.

Network Devices

Attaching unapproved network devices (e.g. wireless access points, hubs, switches, and DHCP servers) in the Texas A&M Residence halls is strictly prohibited. To learn more about what devices are allowed in the residence halls, visit TAMU WiFi for Residence Halls. Some wireless devices can cause disruptions, security risks and outages for ResNet users. Using these devices on ResNet can cause the user's port to be disabled. The user will need to contact Help Desk Central at 979.845.8300 to re-enable connection.

ResNet Wireless Restrictions

Unapproved attachment of wireless access points is strictly prohibited in Texas A&M residence halls. These devices cause major disruptions and security risks in ResNet and outages for fellow students. Unapproved active wireless access points found on ResNet are cause for the network port to be disabled. Users will need to contact Help Desk Central at 979.845.8300 or helpdesk@tamu.edu to re-enable connection. 

ResNet NAT Devices

Students living on campus are given a single ethernet port on ResNet. A Network Address Translation (NAT) box allows students to connect multiple devices (e.g. Gaming Systems, Printers, and computers) to a single ethernet port. Any wireless options on NAT boxes must be disabled. Also, do not use a NAT box to connect devices from multiple students on the same network connection. For help in setting up a NAT device, please see Connecting Multiple Devices: Nat Boxes and Routers.

NOTE: Since ResNet is inside the Texas A&M firewall, gaming systems may be unable to connect and interact with off-campus systems. Therefore, some network games for PCs and consoles may not work.

ResNet Firewall Restrictions

Due to changes in network configurations, students in the Residence Halls will no longer be allowed to request a port opening for computers on ResNet. This means that no computer on ResNet can be accessible from off campus. 

Students interested in hosting a website may visit people.tamu.edu.

Can I have multiple IP addresses?
Can I use IP masquerading (NAT)?
Can I use a hub, switch or wireless access point in my dorm room?
What ports are open to ResNet through the campus firewall?
What activity on ResNet will get me in trouble?
What happens if my machine causes a problem on the network?
Can I give access to my friends off campus?
Where do I get help with a ResNet related problem?

Can I have multiple IP addresses?

There is a limited amount of IP address space available to ResNet. This allows users to have only one address. All ResNet users are limited to registering one system via the ResNet registration system. This should have no effect on the majority of users. If you need to hook up more than one device, you will need to purchase and use a NAT/masquerading box. For more information on NAT, see question on NAT devices below.

Can I use IP masquerading (NAT)?

Yes, you may. Only one Ethernet device may be connected to a ResNet port. IP masquerading or NAT box (a method to allow multiple devices to use one IP address) is currently the recommended way to have multiple devices connected to ResNet. NAT is allowed in Resnet to allow an individual student to attach multiple devices. For example, a desktop machine, laptop and printer. The NAT device must be configured to not allow wireless connections. And the device may not be used to connect devices from multiple students on the same network connection. Any of this activity will result in the immediate termination of the network connection.

For help in setting up a NAT device, please see Connecting Multiple Devices: NAT Boxes and Routers.

Can I use a hub, switch or wireless access point in my dorm room?

Attaching unapproved network devices (e.g. wireless access points, hubs, switches, and DHCP servers) in the Texas A&M Residence halls is strictly prohibited. These devices can cause disruptions, security risks and outages for ResNet users. Using these devices on ResNet can cause the user's port to be disabled. The user will need to contact Help Desk at 979.845.8300 to re-enable connection.

What ports are open to ResNet through the campus firewall?

Due to changes in network configurations, students in the Residence Halls will no longer be allowed to request a port opening for computers on ResNet. This means that no computer on ResNet can be accessible from off campus.

What activity on ResNet will get me in trouble?

Students are subject to rules of responsible computing, as described in http://student-rules.tamu.edu. Activities including but not limited to the following are in violation of the student rules: Any attempt to subvert the campus firewall (including running a service on a port other than the well-known port for that service), network denial-of-service attacks, unauthorized possession of copyright material, any attempt to compromise the security of any other computer; distribution of unsolicited bulk or commercial e-mail or use of any A&M resource for commercial use.

If you are found to be performing any of the actions listed, your (and possibly your roommate's) ResNet access will be suspended. You will also be subject to disciplinary action via Student Judicial Services.

What happens if my machine causes a problem on the network?

If the Network Group determines your machine is causing a problem on the network (perhaps due to configuration error or a hardware problem), your ResNet connection will be shut down until the problem can be addressed. If the problem was caused inadvertently, no disciplinary action will result.

Can I give access to my friends off campus?

No. Your computer is for academic use. If someone off campus needs access for an academic purpose, the academic department involved can provide the necessary access.

Where do I get help with a ResNet related problem?

All support questions should be directed to Help Desk Central:
Phone: 979.845.8300
Email: helpdesk@tamu.edu

They will help you over the phone or by email immediately, or open a problem ticket for a support person to contact you later.