Beckman Institute Information Technology Services

Services

The diverse computing needs of Beckman Institute researchers requires a versatile, high speed network. The building network is based upon a gigabit switched infrastructure. Satellite switches are interconnected throughout the Institute via a fiber optic backbone. This design allows for changes and addition of new technology as needed. Computing within the Beckman Institute is largely decentralized and under the control of individual research groups. The operation and maintenance of research computers are the responsibility of the research group system administrator. The system administrator is the first point of contact for group members experiencing computer or network problems. ITS is not responsible for the administration of a research group's computing environment, but will provide general consulting to assist with computing and networking problems as resources allow.

The University of Illinois provides computer resources to support the work of faculty, staff, and students. The University computer and network system consists of a multi-campus backbone network, local area networks, and workstations. Users of the University computer and network system must adhere to the University's policies for responsible use of these resources. Additional information on computer and network usage policies for the University of Illinois may be found at http://www.cio.uiuc.edu/policies.html.

The Beckman Institute provides switched 10/100/1000BaseT network ports for network devices at no cost. Network ports for bandwidth needs beyond 1000BaseT (gigabit), may be available at an additional cost. Additional network equipment that imposes significant costs may be wholly or partially charged back to the requesting group. Configuration of special network requirements will be made at the discretion of ITS.

The Beckman Institute also provides wireless networking for Institute personnel at no cost. Details may be found at the Wireless page.

The design, configuration, operation and maintenance of the Institute's network, including the building wiring infrastructure, the building subnets, and the campus network connections, are the responsibility of ITS.

Network Connections

Research group system administrators and Institute personnel must contact ITS prior to connecting any type of equipment to the network at Beckman Institute, including but not limited to, wireless devices, packet sniffers, switches, repeaters, routers, or computers acting as routers. All equipment connected to the Beckman network must be approved by ITS and the CITES Network Design Office (NDO).

All devices must also conform to accepted network standards and interoperate correctly with other systems on the network. Any equipment that does not meet required approval or that interferes with the operation of any other system may be removed from the network by ITS. Additional information on these guidelines may be found at: www.cites.uiuc.edu/guidelines/network/sec8clarify.html.

ITS staff can assist in configuring network software on machines within the Institute as resources allow. Any machine found using an unassigned IP address may be removed from the network without advance notice until the correct IP address is assigned and installed.

Support

ITS will provide computer and network support only for University-owned equipment. ITS does not have the resources to provide helpdesk support for privately owned computers. Network cables that are located above the floors may be maintained by the system administrators. Network cabling located under drop floors, inside floor boxes, and inside wall boxes must only be installed, maintained, and removed by ITS staff. Network cables may be purchased at the Beckman Stores.

IP Address Assignment

Building networks and domains will be named by ITS. Groups may choose their host names in accordance with standard domain naming rules and conventions. Internet (IP) addresses for machines connected in any way to the Institute network must be assigned by ITS staff. IP Addresses and network port activations may be requested by contacting the Help Desk.

Network Security

A system administrator must be designated for every device connected to the Beckman network. ITS will contact the system administrator to resolve any performance or security issues related to their designated devices. ITS is responsible for monitoring and managing the network traffic to protect the quality of network services. If network use by a research computer seriously degrades network service to others, adversely impacts network resources, or poses a security threat, ITS may remove the computer from the network without advance notice. In such cases, we will make our best effort to contact the owner and resolve the problem as quickly as possible. If you have questions about this policy or about securing your computer, please contact the Help Desk.

The security of computers in the Institute is a growing concern. Physical security (theft prevention) devices may be installed on smaller, more theft-prone systems. Software and network security for workstations and servers is important. ITS can assist Beckman personnel in ensuring system security. However, ITS reserves the right to disconnect a compromised workstation from the network without warning to protect network security. Report suspected computer break-ins immediately to ITS during regular business hours or to the CITES Operations Center after hours.

Computers connected to the Beckman network should be patched with the latest Operating System updates, running an up to date virus scanning application and have secure adminstrator passwords. ITS also recomends using the firewall and screen locking functions built into Windows XP and Mac OS X. While there is no way to guarantee complete security, following these guidelines will help protect your data and the Beckman network.

Reporting a Suspected Security Breach

If you think the security of your computer has been breached, report the issue to ITS immediately. If the breach is discovered outside of regular business hours, please report it to the CITES Operations Center via telephone at 244-1000 or via e-mail at net-trouble@uiuc.edu.