Resources

DHCP Registration

DHCP Overview

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an Internet protocol for automating the network configuration of computers that use TCP/IP. The Computer Science and University networks are TCP/IP based. In order to use them, your PC needs a unique identifier known as an IP address. DHCP can be used to automatically assign IP addresses and to deliver TCP/IP stack configuration parameters such as the subnet mask and default router.

In order to use DHCP, you first need to know your computer's MAC address. Short for Media Access Control address, the MAC address is a hardware address that uniquely identifies each node of a network. In IEEE 802 networks, the Data Link Control (DLC) layer of the OSI Reference Model is divided into two sublayers: the Logical Link Control (LLC) layer and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The MAC layer interfaces directly with the network media (you plug your cable into it). Consequently, each different type of network media requires a different MAC layer, i.e., your wireless card will have one MAC address, your wired Ethernet interface another.

Windows NT/2K/XP users can find their MAC addresses by opening a command prompt window, and typing the command:

 ipconfig /all

Linux/Unix/Mac users can find their MAC addresses by issuing the command:

 ifconfig -a

CS Network

The Computer Science Department's Main network is for faculty and staff machines (laptops) that require connectivity equivalent to a departmental desktop. It is not available to students. The Main network is available via wireless and most wired ports in CSc.

Other Campus Networks

Most networks on campus (outside of Computer Science) are maintained by the Center for Computing & Information Technology (CCIT).

UAWireless is CCIT's wireless network available in various campus locations. CS offers access to this network to provide consistent service to students (as well as faculty and staff). It is available via wireless and wired ports in GS-737 (Commons Room) and GS-805 (Conference Room).

DHCP registration for CS network connectivity [Faculty/Staff]

Faculty and staff may register multiple MAC addresses for the Main network. Additionally, Faculty and staff may sponsor access for guests.

MAC addresses are registered for the Main network by filling out the online form at Register a MAC Address.

Registered MAC addresses are valid until the last day of finals of the current semester (Fall/Spring/Summer II). Expiration notices will be emailed to registrants as part of the regular account expiry process, approximately three weeks before the end of the semester (i.e., May, August, December). Registrations can be renewed, but the owner/user must certify that security patches and antivirus software is up-to-date.

DHCP registration for other campus networks (CCIT) [Faculty/Staff/Students]

Access to CCIT's networks (including UAWireless) is providing by registering MAC addresses with CCIT.

Students register MAC addresses via Student Link.

Faculty and Staff register MAC addresses via http://dhcp.arizona.edu. This page also offers some useful tools and information: current pool list (info about various DHCP pools), check for registration (see if the MAC has already been registered), check for activity (checks the MAC address against usage logs), and an FAQ.