Case Network Policy Regarding Providing Network Interface Cards

Those wishing to connect a system to the network will need to supply their own Ethernet card. All systems should be purchased with Ethernet interfaces configured into the system.

The cost to the University to acquire the interface cards, store them, keep track of them, and then install them is at least $60 more per system than it would be to purchase the system with the card already installed. Add to this cost the inconvenience and delays for the user and the risk of damaging the system (hardware and/or software) during the installation of the network interface card.

The type of Ethernet network interface that should be purchased is a Gigabit (1000) megabit per second Ethernet Card. If you purchase a 10/100 megabit per second Twisted-Pair Ethernet card you will also need to purchase an expensive switch or converter.

To connect this interface card to the faceplate in your residence hall or office you will also need one of the following:

1. A twisted-pair (Cat5) jumper cable of desired length. A 3 foot Cat5 jumper cable costs about $5

Or

2. A Fiber Optic cable

Depending on the hook up in your office or residence hall. If your hook up is fiber optic and you do not have a fiber optic capable network interface card, you will need to purchase a fiber optic to UTP (Cat5 or Twisted-pair) converter. The best, and less expensive option overall is to use a fiber optic network card with a fiber optic face plate. Most campus buildings and all of the residence halls have fiber optic face plates.