Most devices connect to Emerson's network automatically or over Wi-Fi. In a few wired locations, you need to register your device before it can use the Ethernet port. You can now do this yourself through the My Devices portal, so you no longer need to email the Help Desk just to register a wired device.
For the security and integrity of our network, your computer should be up to date before you connect. For more information about keeping your computer current, refer to our guide on Basic Computer Maintenance. If you are using a Windows PC, some form of anti-virus protection is also required.
Wired Network Status by Location
- 🟢 Piano Row (150 Boylston St.) and Paramount (555 Washington St.): Ethernet ports are available. Register your device in My Devices (see below).
- 🟢 Library, Walker 3rd Floor (120 Boylston St.): Ethernet ports are available. Register your device in My Devices.
- 🟢 Ansin Building, 4th Floor (180 Tremont St.): Ethernet ports are available. Register your device in My Devices.
- 🟡 Colonial (100 Boylston St.): Ethernet ports exist but are not active by default. Email helpdesk@emerson.edu with your room number to request port activation. Once the port is active and your device is detected, register it in My Devices.
- 🔴 Little Building (80 Boylston St.) and 2 Boylston Place (2BP): These locations do not have Ethernet ports in resident rooms. They are served by Wi-Fi.
Note: Only the locations listed above require registration for wired Ethernet. Wired connections in all other campus buildings work automatically without registration.
By registering for and using Emerson's network, you are agreeing to Emerson's Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Policy. Familiarize yourself with it, as well as our other Emerson College IT policies.
Step 1: Connect Your Ethernet Cable
Connect your device to the purple wall jack with an Ethernet cable. Yellow ports are for phones only.
The network must detect your device on the port before you can register it, so plug in and leave the device connected before you move on to the next step.
If you do not have an Ethernet cable, you can buy one at stores such as the Emerson Bookstore, Staples, or Best Buy.
Step 2: Register Your Device in My Devices
With your device plugged into the purple jack, register it yourself in the My Devices portal:
- Open My Devices and go to Network > My Devices.
- In the Wired Ethernet section, click Register Ethernet Device.
- Choose your Residence Hall / Location and enter your Room Number.
- Select the device type (for example Windows PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Apple TV, Roku, or Smart TV).
- Enter the Ethernet (wired) MAC address of your device, then submit. Need help finding it? See Find MAC Address or IP Address for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
Important: Use the Ethernet (wired) MAC address, not the Wi-Fi MAC address. They are different, and registering the wrong one will not work.
Colonial residents: If your device is not detected when you try to register, the port may not be active yet. Email helpdesk@emerson.edu with your room number to request activation, then register the device once it is detected.
Your device should be able to connect shortly after you register it. For a full walkthrough of the portal, including registering game consoles and streaming devices, see Connecting Entertainment Devices to the Network.
Device Support
- Supported:
- Desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices with the latest security patches.
- Best Effort:
- Video game consoles.
- Any specially requested firewall rules, proprietary or non-standard network equipment.
- Specialty devices that require static IPs or firewall rules must be submitted as a request to IT.
- Not Supported:
- Applications that pass clear credentials over the network.
- Computers that do not have the latest security patches.