All devices on the Emerson wired network must be registered to an Emerson user account. To register a device, you must submit a request to the IT Help Desk.
For the security and integrity of our network, your computer should be up to date before registering. For more information about keeping your computer up to date, refer to our guide on Basic Computer Maintenance. Also required if you are using a Windows PC is some form of anti-virus protection.
Wired Network Status by Residence Hall
- Piano Row (150 Boylston St.) & Paramount (555 Washington St.): Ethernet ports are available in rooms. All devices must be manually registered by IT. Please email helpdesk@emerson.edu with your device's wired MAC address for registration.
- Colonial (100 Boylston St.): Ethernet ports are in the rooms but are not active by default. If you need a port activated, please email helpdesk@emerson.edu with your room number and the specific need for a wired connection. IT will then need to patch the port for you.
- Little Building (80 Boylston St.) & 2 Boylston Place (2BP): These residence halls do not have Ethernet ports in resident rooms. They are serviced by comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage.
By registering for and using Emerson's network, you are agreeing to Emerson's Electronic Information Policy. Familiarize yourself with it, as well as other Emerson College IT Policies.
Connecting Your Ethernet Cable
Connect your computer to the purple wall jack with an ethernet cable.
Depending on your campus location, you may find other color ports, as seen to the left. Yellow ports are for phones, but purple is generally the only one you'll need.
If you do not have an ethernet cable, it can be purchased at stores such as the Emerson Bookstore, Staples, or Best Buy.
Registering Your Device
To use the wired network, you must manually register your device with IT. Please email helpdesk@emerson.edu with the following information:
- Your full name and Emerson username
- Your Residence Hall and Room Number
- The type of device (e.g., PlayStation 5, Windows Laptop, Apple TV)
- The Wired MAC Address of your device
An IT staff member will register your device and let you know when it is ready to connect.
- Supported:
- Desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices with the latest security patches.
- Best Effort:
- Video game consoles.
- Any specially requested firewall rules, proprietary/non-standard network equipment.
- Specialty devices that require static IPs or firewall rules must be placed as a request to IT.
- Not Supported:
- Applications that pass clear credentials over the network.
- Computers that do not have the latest security patches.