IT Services

Guide to Setting up your WiFi Router

  1. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable (typically supplied with your router) to the internet port on your router, and plug the other end of the cable into the jack in your room. The internet port on a router is typically indicated by a different colour or offset from the other ports. 
  2. Plug in power to your router and press the power button (if your router has one). You may have to wait a few moments for your router to fully power on.
  3. Complete configuration steps of your router to connect to the ResNet network.  

Once your router is connected to ResNet, you will need to register it to access websites outside of the Queen’s network. 

  1. Ensure your computer is connected – wired or wirelessly – to your router. 

  2. Open a web browser and go to netreg.queensu.ca 

  3. Enter your Queen’s NetID and password and click Accept 

  4. When prompted, restart your router. You may need to wait up to 15 minutes for the registration to take effect. 

If you are not using a router to connect to ResNet, you will need to register your computer it to access the Internet with a wired connection.  Skip this step if you registered your router in Step 2 above.

  1. Ensure your computer is connected to the Ethernet jack in your room.
  2. On the computer to be registered, open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).  If not automatically redirected, navigate to https://netreg.queensu.ca
  3. Enter your Queen’s NetID and password and click Accept 
  4. When prompted, restart your computer. You may need to wait up to 15 minutes for the registration to take effect. 

Note: Other wired devices (ie gaming consoles) can be registered by calling the ITS Support at 613.533.6666.  You will need to have the MAC address handy.

Reset & Try Again! 

If your router is not new, or you have made a mistake in its configuration, reset it to factory defaults and configure it again. Refer to manufacturer instructions to perform a factory reset if the steps below do not work. 

  1. Disconnect all cables except power. 
  2. Locate the reset pinhole button, typically found on the back of your router. 
  3. Use a pen or paperclip to press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. You may need to unplug and replug the power cable. 

 

I cannot connect to NetReg 

If you are having difficulty connecting to https://netreg.queensu.ca or any other website, these instructions may help resolve problems with your router. 

  • Check your room for other network jacks; there are typically 2 jacks per bed in a room, though only one of these will provide an internet connection. 
  • Ensure the connection coming from the wall jack is plugged into the Internet or WAN port on your router. 
  • Check the jack for damage. If you think your jack is damaged, please call ITS at (613) 533-6666 or submit a problem report using their website. You will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a technician. 
  • Try using an alternate Ethernet cable. 
  • If your router was previously configured for use at home, follow the factory reset instructions and set up your router again. 

 

NetReg does not work for me 

These instructions may help clear any issues with NetReg, they assume you are able to access https://netreg.queensu.ca or other Queen’s websites. 

  • Try using a different web browser to access NetReg. 
  • Ensure you have waited 15 minutes and restarted your router. 
  • Restart your computer; this helps clear any cached information.  

Still having trouble? Get help from the IT Support Centre at (613) 533-6666 or by submitting an online support request Queen's University - Service Portal (service-now.com).
Have the following details ready for ITS Support: Building, Room #, Jack #, MAC address of your router.

 

For additional detail, we have prepared instructions for some of the most popular router brands: 

Queen’s Residences provides ResNet internet access to your residence room; all you’ll need is a personal computer with a network adapter for Ethernet.

  1. Please note that many newer computers, such as MacBook, require a dongle or adapter to connect with Ethernet.   
  2. You may install your own password-protected wireless router on your ResNet Ethernet connection. A router is required for WiFi access to your bedroom in many buildings.  It is also required in buildings with WiFi if you need to connect multiple devices. (refer to your buildings page for details). 
  3. Queen’s Residences does not provide nor sell routers.
  4. WiFi extenders, cable modems or other networking devices are not supported and will not work with ResNet.
  5. Your router must not interfere with other student or campus systems and will be removed from ResNet

To be able to connect to Queen’s ResNet system, you must have:

  1. A Windows or MacOS based personal computer with a currently supported operating system.
  2. An Ethernet compatible network interface, either built-in or connected to your computer (via USB).

If you intend to use WiFi, you will need to install your own wireless router on your ResNet Ethernet connection.  Whether connecting your computer to ResNet directly or using a wireless router, you need to have an Ethernet cable to plug into the wall jack. Most wireless routers have an Ethernet cable in the package; otherwise, you must purchase one.

Acquire & setup router, if desired.  All bedrooms are provided an ethernet port for internet connectivity.  For many buildings, you will need to bring a router if you want Wi-Fi in your room or if you are connecting multiple devices. You can complete the initial setup prior to arriving on campus.  Ensure the router is configured with DHCP (not static IP address).

Refer to our Troubleshooting Steps for more details on configuring the five most popular router brands.

Update & Secure your Operating System.  You are responsible for all network traffic through your Ethernet connection. Ensure you have applied all Critical Updates before leaving home through Windows Update (Microsoft) or System Preferences (Apple). You must also install current and functional antivirus software. 

Collect Installation Media.  Ensure you have the installation files and/or media for any critical software applications and your operating system, including any license keys.  If your computer fails or you have to add features, it might become necessary to re-install your operating system or applications (which is time-consuming and costly). 

Bringing a router to Queen’s? Here are some valuable points when selecting a router:

  1. Reputable brand (refer to Troubleshooting Steps for five recommended brands)
  2. Reasonable quality ($50 or more)
  3. Dual-band, supporting 2.4GHz and 5GHz
  4. The router should be current, with vendor warranty and technical support.

It is recommended to purchase router in North America to ensure compatibility WiFi Extenders, cable modems and routers in mesh mode are not supported on the Queen’s Residence (ResNet) network.

Where to find WiFi on-campus

  • Wireless access is generally not provided in residence rooms (with the exception of Smith & Brant Houses).  
  • Several common areas across campus have WiFi connection. 
Learn more about Wifi on Campus

ResNet Speed & Bandwidth Limitations

Sharing large files over the internet using a P2P (peer-to-peer) network architecture is strongly discouraged. Online gaming platforms use P2P for downloading games between users. ResNet bandwidth is limited, and these activities will impact your ability to access other resources. The content of your ResNet activity is private, but the amount of your activity is closely monitored. You can be disconnected for overuse. 

Several mechanisms are in place to ensure optimal performance of the ResNet network for educational purposes. Students must register their hardware information before gaining full access to the network. Registration occurs through a simple web interface and is stored in a central database to help identify any system misuse. 

Inappropriate Use of ResNet

You are responsible for what you do and what others may do if they gain access to your computer in person or over the network. You must ensure that the operating system on your computer is secure against intruders who might use it to store and distribute illegal software.  

  1. Do not leave your computer on unless you are using it, and don’t allow someone else to use it unless you are present. 
  2. Do not run any sort of server software unless you are familiar with the security issues involved, and do not download or run software from a source that you don’t completely trust. 
  3. Spam, denial of service attacks and harassment in any form is not acceptable and is often illegal. 
  4. Copyright infringement is illegal and will be treated as such, even if “everyone is doing it.” 
  5. Repercussions for violations of responsible use could terminate your connection, account, and/or computing privileges. The length of time will depend on the nature of the offence. 
  6. You will be held responsible for your computer’s contents and actions originating from your computer. 

Accepting the NetReg provisions when initially connecting to ResNet allows you to agree implicitly to legitimate and socially acceptable conduct. 

Queen’s University’s Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy

Need help? 

If you have a problem with your computer or ResNet connection, please call the IT Support Centre at (613) 533-6666. IT Support Centre Hours of Operation (September to April) 

Staff will troubleshoot over the phone or through a remote connection to your computer. If your problems remain, you may need to bring your computer in for service. There is no charge for telephone and remote connection support or if there is a ResNet hardware problem. Fees may apply for depot service.  

Note: We send critical residence information to your registered Queen’s e-mail. Do not forward your Queen’s account to any other e-mail address to avoid missing important information.