CSAIL Network

The CSAIL network connects all locations in the research areas of the Stata Center with gigabit Ethernet at a density of one port per 25 square feet of office space, for a grand total of more than 4,000 gigabit networks ports. The network backbone is 10-gigabit Ethernet with a 30-gigabit core mesh connecting the three redundant backbone switches. CSAIL has aggregate outside connectivity of 1 Gbit/s.

Requesting a static IP address

• To request a static IP address, follow the directions in the WebDNS Users Guide to register your desired hostname. WebDNS will assign you a static IP address. You can then use DHREG to register your MAC address for the IP address WebDNS gave you. (CSAIL certificate required.)

Getting help

• Send requests for assistance with the network to the usual address, <help@csail.mit.edu>.
• For automated information about the network status of your machine, check Host Discovery.

Technology and configuration

• Coming this June: 2012 network outage
• Port filtering
• Darwin@CSAIL

DNS

• WebDNS
• WebDNS Users Guide
• CSAIL Host Registration Policy
• Name Server List
• DNS security

DHCP

• DHCP Registration

Instant messaging and conferencing

• There is a Jabber instant-messaging server, which uses the same passwords as CSAIL IMAP.

Wireless

• Changes to Stata Center wireless service
• Connecting to the CSAILPrivate wireless network
• CSAIL Wireless maps

Remote Access

• A VPN, for "Virtual Private Network", uses an untrusted Internet connection to securely connect your laptop to the "private" CSAIL network.
  • Installing the VPN Client for Windows
  • Installing the VPN Client for MacOS X
• VNC setup from outside CSAIL

Web proxies

• Configuring your browser to use a Web Proxy