Configuring Ethernet for Windows Vista
You may not need to do anything to configure your Ethernet connection.
- When you first set up Windows Vista, your computer will be automatically configured for a DHCP (Ethernet) connection.
- This automatic DHCP connection will work well on the Boston University campus, usually with no adjustments necessary.
- In addition, if you upgraded from Windows XP, without reformatting, Vista should find and use all of your existing network settings.
- Sometimes you may need to check or adjust your settings; if so, read on.
Need to check or adjust your Ethernet settings?
Ethernet settings are managed in the Network and Sharing Center in Windows Vista.
- Locate the network icon on your taskbar, at lower right on your computer display. This icon looks like two computers with a globe superimposed.
- Right-click on the network icon, and from the resulting menu, choose Network and Sharing Center.
- In the Network and Sharing Center, you'll see the status of your
current network connection. To change settings, click on
Manage network connections, found on the left side of
this window.
- After you click Manage network connections,
click first on
Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv.4) and then click Properties.
- For a DHCP connection (BU residences and most BU offices), your TCP/IP Properties should look like this:
- Make any needed changes, then click OK until you return to the Network and Sharing Center.
Do you need to use a static IP address instead of DHCP? (Probably not.)
If you are in one of the few offices on campus where static addresses are used instead of DHCP, you should get your IP address and Default gateway from your local network administrator.
Follow Steps 1-4 above, then for Step 5, make your settings
look something
like this -- making sure you fill in the exact values your administrator
gave you
for
IP address
and Default gateway.
When you use a static address, you will need to enter some DNS server values. The DNS server values for BU are:
128.197.253.183
128.197.253.120