Campusnet: Internet facilities for campus residents and ITC hotel

At UT there are three Wi-Fi networks available: eduroam, Enschede_Stad_Van_Nu and UThings.

EDUROAM

Students and employees can log on to the eduroam Wi-Fi network using their UT credentials. The eduroam Wi-Fi network is an international initiative that is available at a large number of universities and schools/high schools around the world. With a student or staff account of one of the participating institutions you can log on to all eduroam networks all over the world. Eduroam is also available at various locations in the city centre of Enschede.

In order to connect to the eduroam Wi-Fi network a valid UT account is needed. There are multiple options to connect to eduroam:

1. UT Credentials (M-/S-Account): In order to connect to the eduroam using UT credentials (Employees account: m-account & Student account: s-account) login with your full email address as username and the corresponding password. This will provide you eduroam access in all UT buildings. Note that signal strength will vary depending on the location.
2. Eduroam Visitor account (EVA):  An eduroam guest account provides temporary eduroam Wi-Fi guest access for UT guests. EVA accounts can be created by UT employees. Once an EVA guest account has been created it will grant guests temporary access to the eduroam network. For more information see eva.eduroam.nl.
3. UT X-account
   A more permanent guest account (x-account) can be requested by UT employees at selfservice.utwente.nl > Order services > Authorisation and will provide eduroam Wi-Fi access for a longer period of time as well as access to various other services.

ENSCHEDE_STAD_VAN_NU GUEST NETWORK

The Wi-Fi network Enschede_Stad_Van_Nu is a Wi-Fi network of the municipality of Enschede that is freely available at various places in the city of Enschede. It is an open network that is not secured and has limited capacity. It is intended for occasional guest use without an account. It is not maintained by or associated with UT. Due to this UT/LISA doesn't support incidents and/or questions related to this Wi-Fi network.

UTHINGS (FOR SMART DEVICES)

A separate wireless network has been set up specifically for Smart Devices and Internet of Things applications: "UThings". The preferred network for wireless connections is still eduroam. However, there are devices that cannot handle the security settings that are used on that network. For the average "smart refrigerator" it is usually impossible to connect to a WPA2-Enterprise protected wireless network.

Access to the UThings network is provided on a per-device basis. You can register the devices you want to connect by contacting the ICT Service Desk. You will need to provide the wireless MAC address of your device to be able to complete registration. The ICT Service Desk can be contacted by email at servicedesk-ict@utwente.nl or by telephone at (+31 53 489) 5577.

SRN stands for “Selfservice Registration Portal for Network Devices” and provides wired connection devices access to Campusnet.  

Every device that is directly connected to the Campusnet by a network cable needs to be registered first. The registration of the network equipment is done using the wired/ethernet MAC address of the connected device. Registration can easily be done online in SRN at webapps.utwente.nl/srn, which is also available using a cable when your device is not yet registered.

Please note that registration is only required for wired connections; if you connect to the wireless network (eduroam), you do not have to register your MAC address. Also, make sure that you register the correct address. A common mistake is that the wireless MAC address is registered.

Most student rooms have access to the eduroam wireless network. If you (need to) use your own wireless router in case the eduroam is not available, we would like to point out a few important rules about the configuration of private networks, so everyone is able to use the internet without any problems.

Settings for your own router:

• Use the WAN port to connect your router to the wall outlet in your room (in most cases, the right socket will have a signal). The LAN ports are for your own devices, do not connect them to the wall outlet!
• Change the default password of the router and of your own Wi-Fi network.
• Change the default name of your own Wi-Fi network.
• If you do not have any Wi-Fi devices, turn off the Wi-Fi signal of your router.

Configuration of your Wi-Fi:

• If possible, switch off the 2,4GHz signal (only if all your devices support 5GHz).
• Do not use channel-bonding (on either the 2,4 or 5GHz channels).
• For 2,4GHz: only use fixed channels 1, 6, or 11 (do not use auto-channel selection).
• For 5GHz: set the bandwidth on 20MHz channels.
• For 5Ghz: choose the correct country (NL) and use the auto-channel select there.
• Lower your signal strength, maximum power is not necessary for your room.

Considerations:

• Preferably do not use a router if you don't have to.
• Remember to keep your router up-to-date. Occasionally check for firmware upgrades!
• Use strong passwords (both for your admin account as for your Wi-Fi network).

For Campusnet support, Library, IT Services & Archive (LISA) is responsible for the incoming network signal up to the outlet in, for example, a (student) room. Generally, we supply one active network connection.

Connected (own) equipment to an outlet in a (student) room is the responsibility of the resident.

LISA is increasingly making use of a so-called room access point in a lot of locations. This is a small access point to serve a limited number of users in the student housing. They are usually placed over the existing outlet. As far as Wi-Fi is concerned, they are identical to the Wi-Fi present in educational buildings for eduroam, UThings, and Enschede_Stad_Van_Nu.

They also include some LAN ports to connect wired connections. The grey port (Pass-through) is not in use. The other ports LAN1 to LAN3 can be used, while the green port (PSE-LAN1) has limited Power over Ethernet functionality. The configuration is very different to regular switch ports, but the ports are on the same network as other ports on residents' campus network.

Room access points are widely used in the following locations:

• Plaza / Campus 053 (former Camelot @ Veldmaat 10)
• Drienerburght
• ITC Hotel
• Pröttel (Container homes Witbreuksweg 369-371-373-375)

In addition to the above, they are occassionally used in locations elsewhere within student housing as a test to solve coverage in particular in corners. The intention is to use these test results in an upcoming replacement project to redesign the Wi-Fi in order to create better coverage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PER HOUSING LOCATION

De Veste

De Veste is the largest student rental association on the campus. The various districts all have their own unique design and construction. For internet connectivity LISA generally supplies one active network connection. Wi-Fi coverage (eduroam, Enschede_Stad_Van_Nu, and UThings) is provided on a best effort basis and may vary with district and/or room situation.

Plaza

For non-UT/Saxion Plaza tenants
If you do not have access to any of these accounts, you can request a UT x-account. This is a paid guest account that you can request by email at the Service Desk ICT. The cost of an UT x-account is 60 euro per year. If you would like to apply for a guest account (UT x-account) please supply your full name, (private) email address, mobile phone number, building, room number, the estimated duration of your stay, and IBAN details for the contract. 

Eduroam, Enschede_Stad_Van_Nu, and UThings are available throughout the Plaza building. Each room has one wired connection, and one out of three rooms has a so-called room access point.

ITC Hotel

Eduroam, Enschede_Stad_Van_Nu, and UThings are available throughout the ITC Hotel. Each room has one wired connection, and one out of three rooms have a so-called room access point. For information regarding networks in the ITC Hotel, refer to the ABC Guide: https://www.itc.nl/intranet/support/iih/documents/iih-abc.pdf

Pröttel (Container homes) Witbreuksweg

All Pröttel (Container homes) are equipped with a wired network connection in the meter cupboard, to which a room Wi-Fi router is connected.

This router provides three wireless networks: eduroam, Enschede_Stad_Van_Nu and UThings, furthermore there are three wired network ports available.

Eduroam is the regular network for users with a UT account or an account of another institution affiliated with eduroam. Access is secured with a username and password, such as the UT email address of the user <name>@utwente.nl, a temporary UT account <x-number>@utwente.nl or a temporary eduroam guest account <identifier>@edu.nl.

This account works worldwide with affiliated institutions.

The connection with eduroam is encrypted, when connecting for the first time you will be asked to trust the certificate of this connection.

UThings is the UT network for equipment that cannot handle the complex authentication of eduroam, such as sensors, streaming devices, smart TVs or game consoles. Access to this network requires registration of the device MAC address, and a unique access code can be requested from the LISA Service Desk.

Enschede_Stad_Van_Nu is the free network of the municipality of Enschede, it is available at UT and in the city centre of Enschede. It is an open network, is not secured and has limited capacity. It is intended for occasional guest use without an account, UT only provides connectivity on this network and cannot guarantee the quality.

The wired ports (right three) are intended for equipment that cannot connect to Wi-Fi.

Only registered devices can access the wired network, registration of devices can be done on the service page webapps.utwente.nl/srn.

Note:  A device that is wired to the UT network gets a public IP address and is therefore directly connected to the internet, without further intervention of firewalls, etc., so pay attention to the correct security, software updates, settings and registration of your own equipment.

The UT network is protected by a system that detects unwanted traffic, such as unregistered equipment, incorrect protocols and malware traffic. When detected, the device can be isolated from the network in a quarantine network or by disabling the network port. This can also result in the Wi-Fi router no longer functioning.

When connecting wired equipment, make sure that any Wi-Fi is turned off to avoid possible connection problems.

All containers are equipped with their own Wi-Fi, so there is no need for your own Wi-Fi router for coverage.

In general, having your own Wi-Fi router is not recommended because incorrect settings will only make the connection over Wi-Fi worse due to mutual interference.

For network wishes or requests, first contact the Service Desk ICT before experimenting or purchasing equipment yourself.

All UT students and employees with questions, problems, requests for information or reports regarding ICT are welcome at the Service Desk ICT on the ground floor of the Citadel building (entrance at O&O square). 

Servicedesk ICT (campus location)

Opening hours: 08.30 - 17.00 hrs.

Post address: University of Twente, T.a.v. Servicedesk ICT, Postbus 217, 7500 AE Enschede

(+31 53 489) 5577 servicedesk-ict@utwente.nl

Residents who live on De Achterhorst, Reelaan, Drienerbeeklaan and Langenkampweg on the campus are able to request an internet connection by fiber optic cable, called Fiber to the Home (FTTH); then LISA can activate this connection. See utwente.nl/ftth for details.

Campusnet is one of the services that is being monitored by CERT-UT (the Computer Emergency Response Team of the University of Twente). In the case of IT security incidents, devices that are connected to Campusnet can be quarantined. In that case any connection with Campusnet will be blocked until the issue has been resolved and the blockage has been lifted by CERT-UT.

The CERT-UT team consists of IT professionals from Library, IT Services & Archive (LISA). CERT-UT investigate all reports in the field of computer security and privacy and engage the necessary (technical) specialists to solve an incident. When a report has a privacy aspect, CERT-UT works directly with the Privacy Contact Person (PCP) of the specific department.

If a device has been placed in quarantine the best action is to contact CERT-UT. The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) can be contacted at cert@utwente.nl or by telephone at (+31 53 489) 1313.

UT offers a colocation (COLO) service for servers. In order to make an appointment for physical access to a COLO server, an email can be send to noc@utwente.nl.

Please state the following information in your email:

• Name
• Name study association (If relevant)
• Reason for visit
• Desired date / time
• Personal contact details (Phone number, email address)

This information does not apply for UT students or UT employees.

You can apply for an UT x-account when you are living in one of the UT campus accommodations. This service is free of costs except for Plaza / Campus 053 (former Camelot) tenants.

If you are renting an apartment from Plaza / Campus 053 tenants the costs for a UT x-account are 5 euro per month or 60 euro annually.

A UT x-account can be used to for instance login at the eduroam Wi-Fi network or register hardware devices that are connected through cable at SRN.

In order to request your UT x-account we will first need to verify that you are indeed living on the premise.

Please send the following information to servicedesk-ict@utwente.nl:

• Proof of signed contract: a passage of the contract where it clearly states the address and your name.
• Proof of payment: screenshot of the latest hire costs payment.
• Information about your situation: name, address and how long you expect to rent the apartment.

Once you have sent this information the x-account will be created, and you will receive the account details by e-mail.

The 1st generation had COAX and 10 Mbps hubs, in 1999 UTP switched up to 100 Mbit (2nd generation). At the time, this was “the fastest home network in the world”. From 2003, the first eduroam Wi-Fi came online, and UT was connected as one of the pioneers. In 2012-2013 the switching equipment was replaced by the 3rd generation and 1 Gbit has become the standard (where possible). The Box and Sky were also built during this period and the ITC Hotel was connected.

Although gigabit was already becoming more standard, it was once again one of the fastest home networks in the world (especially since we built and maintained it ourselves, unlike a Google-sponsored university in America). This was followed in 2014 by a replacement of the Wi-Fi access points. In 2020-2021 the switching equipment was replaced for the 4th generation of the current Campusnet, which has since grown further thanks to Plaza / Campus 053 (Former Camelot) tenants and Drienerburght. In addition, Library, IT Services & Archive (LISA) also provides ISP network connections (Fiber To The Home) to employee homes located on the UT terrain.

Almost 25 years after the establishment of SNT, the contract with SNT for support through the SNT Helpdesk was cancelled by LISA in March 2020 and all these tasks were taken over by LISA CS.

This website will give more insight into the UT network facilities and also provides information about how common issues can be resolved and network related services can be requested.