ResNet & Clean Access Support
ResNet stands for Residence Hall Network, a service provided by Information Technology & Innovation to all students living in the residence halls on Western’s campuses. ResNet allows students in the residence halls to connect to the University’s local area network and the Internet via the Cisco Clean Access Agent. [further overview]
Frequently asked questions
- ResNet General Questions
- Clean Access - General Questions
- Clean Access - Validation Questions
- Clean Access - Logon/Logoff Questions
- Clean Access - Troubleshooting Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I Connect to ResNet? How do I Connect to ResNet?
- Make sure your computer has a properly installed and configured network interface card (NIC) and that it is configured for DHCP.
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the network card and the other end into the data jack in the wall. (Note: in Centennial Hall, plug the Ethernet cable into the blue data jack. In all other residence halls, plug the Ethernet cable into the black data jack.)
- Power on your computer and launch Internet Explorer. The WestConn ResNet authentication page will appear.
- Enter your WestConn Windows username and password. This is the same information you use to gain access to the computers in the computer centers on campus. If you do not have this information or forgot your password, you must stop by one of the computer centers on campus and have a Windows account created or your password reset. Click “Continue.”
- Click on “Download Clean Access Agent” and then click “Open.” The Wizard
will start.
- The Welcome window will appear. Click “Next.”
- You will be prompted to choose a destination. Click “Next.”
- The Ready to Install window will appear. Click “Install.”
- When the program has finished installing, Click “Finish.”
- The Clean Access Agent window will appear. Enter your WestConn Windows
username and password. Click “Logon.” Clean Access Agent will scan your
machine.
- If your machine passes the scan, you will be granted access to the University network and Internet. Go to step 8.
- If your machine does not pass the scan, you will be granted temporary access to specific Web sites in order to fix the problems. Click “Continue” and go to step 7.
- A window will appear prompting you to fix each problem. Click “Go to Link” at the bottom of the window to download the patch your computer is missing. After downloading the necessary patch, click “Next.” Follow these instructions for each patch that needs to be downloaded.
- If your computer passes these requirements, you will be presented with the Acceptable Use Policy that you will need to accept in order to successfully log into the network. Otherwise, you will be granted temporary access to specific Web sites where you can get the missing requirements and/or instructions on how to get them from related Web sites. Once you pass all of the requirements, you will be able to access all network services and the Internet while Clean Access Agent remains in the background.
- A window will appear stating that you have “Successfully logged onto the network.” Click “OK.” A Clean Access Agent icon will appear at the bottom of your screen (next to the clock). Do not attempt to delete this icon. If you do, you will no longer have access to the University network and Internet. Please note that the server keeps a list of all computers that have passed the requirements. This list is cleared every three days to ensure that all computers are patched and that they pass any new requirement, if needed.
- What is ResNet? What is ResNet?
Clean Access - General Questions
- Am I required to install any software on my computer? Am I required to install any software on my computer?
- Why are we introducing this solution now? Why are we introducing this solution now?
- What do I need to do in order to use Clean Access? What do I need to do in order to use Clean Access?
- How does Clean Access Work? How does Clean Access Work?
- What is Cisco Clean Access Agent? What is Cisco Clean Access Agent?
All ResNet users will need a WestConn Windows username and password. If you do not have one, you must stop by one of the computer centers on campus where one can be created for you.
PC users will need to download the Cisco Clean Access Agent, which will be available upon connection to the University network. Your PC must also be up-to-date with all of the Microsoft Windows High-Priority Updates, which can be found at http://update.microsoft.com. Your computer must also have up-to-date antivirus software and definitions installed. WestConn supports a wide variety of anti-virus programs, including, but not limted to McAfee, SymantecNorton, and Trend Micro. If you do not have one of these antivirus software packages installed on your machine already, you can download McAfee virus scan for free at https://www.wcsu.edu/antivirus. Macintosh/Linux users are not required to install the Cisco Clean Access Agent to gain access to ResNet. However, the machine will be scanned using Nessus to determine any possible vulnerabilities. Non-Windows users will be prompted to login with their WestConn Windows username and password and are required to accept the user agreement.
The first time you connect your computer to a live data jack in your room and launch Internet Explorer, you will be redirected to a page for downloading Cisco Clean Access Agent. Once Clean Access is installed, you will not be redirected to this page again. Instead, every time Windows is restarted, the Clean Access Agent will present you with a pop-up to log into the University network using your WestConn Windows username and password. Upon successful authentication, the Clean Access Agent will check your computer to make sure it passes the following requirements: critical Windows updates are installed, the automatic updates feature is enabled, antivirus software is installed, and virus definitions are updated. If your computer passes these requirements, you will be presented with the Acceptable Use Policy that you will need to accept in order to successfully log into the network. Otherwise, you will be granted temporary access to specific Web sites where you can get the missing requirements and/or instructions on how to get them from related Web sites. Once you pass all of the requirements, you will be able to access all network services and the Internet while Clean Access Agent remains in the background. Please note that the server keeps a list of all computers that have passed the requirements. This list is cleared every three days to ensure that all computers are patched and that they pass any new requirement, if needed.
Clean Access - Validation Questions
- What happens when a new patch or updates are available? What happens when a new patch or updates are available?
- What Remediation is Available? What Remediation is Available?
- What am I allowed to access when Unauthenticated or Quarantined? What am I allowed to access when Unauthenticated or Quarantined?
- How Does Validation Work for Linux, Macintosh and Non-Windows Users? How Does Validation Work for Linux, Macintosh and Non-Windows Users?
- How Does Validation Work for Microsoft Users? How Does Validation Work for Microsoft Users?
- How Long Does the Validation Checks Take? How Long Does the Validation Checks Take?
- What Validation Checks are Being Performed? What Validation Checks are Being Performed?
- Have the current Windows Operating System Critical Updates & Hot Fixes
- Have turned on Automatic Updates feature for Microsoft Windows on the machine
- Have supported Anti-virus software running
- Have latest virus definitions for the anti-virus software
- What Networks Require Validation? What Networks Require Validation?
- How Does Validation Work? How Does Validation Work?
- What is validation? What is validation?
Note: Nessus scans are performed on Linux and Macintosh machines for known vulnerabilities. In the near future we will be checking for anti-virus software and current virus definitions
Clean Access - Logon/Logoff Questions
- I use a personal firewall; will this cause a problem? I use a personal firewall; will this cause a problem?
- How do I tell if I am Quarantined/Unauthenticated? How do I tell if I am Quarantined/Unauthenticated?
- How do I logout? How do I logout?
- What IP address should I expect? What IP address should I expect?
- IP Address: 10.129.XXX.XXX
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.252
- IP Address: 10.145.XXX.XXX
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.252
- Go to the Start menu and click Run (Windows Vista users choose Win+R).
- Type cmd and then click OK.
- At the prompt, type ipconfig /release.
- Once the release command is finished, type ipconfig /renew.
- To check for a valid IP address again, type ipconfig.
- How do I check to see if I have a valid IP address? How do I check to see if I have a valid IP address?
For Windows XP users:
- Go to the Start menu and click Run.
- Type cmd and then click OK.
- At the prompt, type ipconfig.
For Windows Vista users:
- Press Win+R on the keyboard.
- Type cmd and then click OK.
- At the prompt, type ipconfig.
- Go to the Start menu and click Run (Windows Vista users choose Win+R).
- Type cmd and then click OK.
- At the prompt, type ipconfig /release.
- Once the release command is finished, type ipconfig /renew.
- To check for a valid IP address again, type ipconfig.
- How do I tell if I am already logged in? How do I tell if I am already logged in?
- Each time I try to use my computer to access the internet, my browser tells me that I need to login. Do I have to login frequently? Each time I try to use my computer to access the internet, my browser tells me that I need to login. Do I have to login frequently?
- How will I know when I am logged out of the network? How will I know when I am logged out of the network?
- Email may fail to send or receive;
- Instant messaging fails or suddenly stops working;
- File downloads may suddenly stop;
- Browser may be redirected to login page.
- When and how often do I have to login? When and how often do I have to login?
Windows XP:
Start ---> Control panel ---> Windows Firewall
Go to the table 'Exceptions' and click 'Add Program'
From the list of program, select 'Cisco Clean Access' and then press Okay.
Make sure the square box in the program list is checked for Cisco Clean Access
Norton Internet Security Suite:
Double click the Norton Security Icon in the system tray
Click 'Personal Firewall' Option in the window
Click 'Configure' and then choose 'Programs'
Scroll down to the list of programs to find Cisco Clean Access Agent
From the drop down list, select 'Permit All' and then press Okay
If the Clean Access Agent is downloaded and installed without any errors. And, the Firewall is configured properly to allow Clean Access Agent, the Clean Access Agent Login Screen will pop-up instantly for you to login and validate.
Typically, if the Firewall is not configured properly, you will see that Clean Access is running either by looking at the right hand corner system tray icon or by double clicking the desktop icon for Clean Access Agent, but the login screen will not appear. Go back and verify the Firewall settings. If the problem still persists then contact the Help Desk for further assistance.
An additional note: Every time there is a new patch or version upgrade available for Clean Access Agent and you choose to upgrade, please make sure that you allow Clean Access through your Firewall if the message appears from the Firewall software that it had found new software.
Midtown Campus
Westside Campus
If you do not see the IP address similar to above, please the following:
The Midtown range will be 10.129.XXX.XXX. The Westside range will be 10.145.XXX.XXX
If you do not see the IP address similar to above, please the following:
Clean Access - Troubleshooting Questions
- Do I have to use the Clean Access Agent client? Do I have to use the Clean Access Agent client?
- I am unable to ping the default gateway address; shouldn't I be able to do this? I am unable to ping the default gateway address; shouldn't I be able to do this?
- What am I allowed to access when Unauthenticated or Quarantined? What am I allowed to access when Unauthenticated or Quarantined?
- I'm on a Macintosh or Linux machine. I've opened my browser but I am not redirected to a login page. What do I do? I'm on a Macintosh or Linux machine. I've opened my browser but I am not redirected to a login page. What do I do?
- I'm on a Windows machine. Sometimes I can login using the web page and at other times, the web page tells me that I must use Clean Access Agent, why? I'm on a Windows machine. Sometimes I can login using the web page and at other times, the web page tells me that I must use Clean Access Agent, why?
- I am able to access the internet but the Clean Access Agent still allows me to "login". Am I logged in? I am able to access the internet but the Clean Access Agent still allows me to "login". Am I logged in?
- I am not able to access the internet and the Clean Access Agent only allows me to "logout". What's going on? I am not able to access the internet and the Clean Access Agent only allows me to "logout". What's going on?
- How do I logout? How do I logout?
- I do not have a "logout" option in Clean Access Agent. I do not have a "logout" option in Clean Access Agent.
- I cannot access the login page. I get the redirection page but then my browser gives an error and stops. I cannot access the login page. I get the redirection page but then my browser gives an error and stops.
- When I run Windows Update, I get a message stating that the product key used to install windows is invalid? When I run Windows Update, I get a message stating that the product key used to install windows is invalid?
- Windows Vista Users - What if I receive a server certificate revocation error? Windows Vista Users - What if I receive a server certificate revocation error?
- What happens if I uninstall the Clean Access Agent client? What happens if I uninstall the Clean Access Agent client?
- The Clean Access Agent client does not offer a "login," just a "logout," and the web page tells me that I must now use Clean Access Agent to login; wh The Clean Access Agent client does not offer a "login," just a "logout," and the web page tells me that I must now use Clean Access Agent to login; wh
- I keep trying to install the Clean Access Agent but it tells me that I can either Modify/Repair or Remove the program. I keep trying to install the Clean Access Agent but it tells me that I can either Modify/Repair or Remove the program.
- How do I know Clean Access Agent is running? How do I know Clean Access Agent is running?
- I do not see the Clean Access Agent icon in my system tray; what do I do? I do not see the Clean Access Agent icon in my system tray; what do I do?
- Clean Access Agent has not been installed. -> Please install Clean Access Agent to continue.
- Clean Access Agent has been installed but you did not select "Launch" at the end of the installation. -> From the "Start" menu, then "Programs", then "Clean Access", then "Clean Access Agent" to launch the program.
- Clean Access Agent is "hidden" in the System tray. -> Please click on "<<" to expand the system tray list and show clean access agent, then login.>
- Your computer has a problem showing System tray icons. -> You may be able to use "Task manager" to halt Clean Access Agent and then launch it again.
- Clean Access Agent is installed but not running. -> From the "Start" menu, then "Programs", then "Clean Access", then "Clean Access Agent", then "Clean Access Agent" to launch the program.
- I get a 'Network Error' when connecting with Clean Access Agent. I get a 'Network Error' when connecting with Clean Access Agent.
- Microsoft Windows Patch Failure. Microsoft Windows Patch Failure.
- What About Xboxes, PlayStations, etc.? What About Xboxes, PlayStations, etc.?
- Microsoft XBOX
- Microsoft XBOX 360
- Sony Playstation 2
- Sony Playstation 3
- Nintendo Game Cube
- What are general troubleshooting steps or checklist I can follow? What are general troubleshooting steps or checklist I can follow?
- You have the Ethernet Cable with RJ-45 connector type. This connector is a little bigger in size than the phone jack. The cable itself is thicker than the phone cable.
- If the network card in your computer has small LEDs next to the Interface Card, and when you plug the cable in firmly (one end to the face place on the wall and other to the network card) you see the lights blinking or any light. Some Ethernet cards do not have LEDs so that does not necessarily mean no connectivity. Also, make sure that Ethernet card is not disabled in the system tray.
- You start the computer and everything starts normally. No error messages or unwanted windows with errors. Meaning a healthy machine with no issues.
- You are getting a proper IP address starting with 10.145.xx.xx or 10.129.xx.xx. Check the TCP/IP settings. If the output of 'ipconfig' is blank. Chances are that your Ethernet Card/ or TCP/IP settings are not correct. A normal TCP/IP settings should have 'Obtain IP address automatically' and 'Obtain DNS information automatically' checked. Any IP addresses in the DNS settings will give you 'Network Error'.
If you are getting 169.254.xxx address, try 'ipconfig /release' and then 'ipconfig /renew' on prompt. Usually a 169.xx address means you are not getting proper IP from the DHCP server. - You have configured the XP Firewall and third party Anti-virus vendor software Firewall.
- Upon starting Internet Explorer, you are redirected to WestConn Clean Access Page for authentication. No redirection usually means browser settings. Make sure you restore browser to its default settings.
- You can authenticate to the initial page and taken to the download page for Clean Access Agent. Otherwise, you may have to check your Username and Password. Upon several unsuccessful attempts (or expired password), your credentials are locked for 15 minutes. Wait and try again. Otherwise get your password resetted from the lab or do it yourself from the link provided on the right hand side of this authentication page 'Change Windows password' .
- You have successfully downloaded and installed the Clean Access Agent . Make sure upon completion of installation, your firewall will prompt you to allow/block this program. Always choose the option "Allow" for Clean Access Agent.
- After installation, the login screen for Clean Access does not appear . No login screen usually means Firewall settings or if you are trying it a different time then it could also means no network connection. If the icon for your network connection in the system tray says 'Network cable unplugged' it means you have lost connectivity to the network.
- You have logged in with Clean Access and it says you have temporary access . Click next to find out what you are missing. Follow the directions to get Critical Updates or whatever the requirements you fail.
- You got all the updates from Microsoft and still it put you in temporary role and wants you to get critical updates, contact Help Desk for assistance .
- You logged in successfully and still no page is displayed with Internet Explorer . Check the browser settings and verify that it has 'never dial a connection' under Tools à Internet Options à Connections. Try another browser or Internet application such as MSN or Yahoo messenger.
- It was working fine and then stopped working . Track back and research what changes you recently made on your computer. If you know the changes but do not know how to go back, call University Computing Help Desk for assistance.
- You are not getting any page displayed in your Internet Explorer . Please check File à Work Offline is not checked
- You open Internet Explorer and nothing is displayed . Please make sure that your browser default home page is set to a valid website such as www.wcsu.edu and not 'Blank'
- Can I update Windows before I login? Can I update Windows before I login?
General ---> Clear all Temporary Files, and Cookies
Security ---> Select 'Default Level'
Privacy ---> Select 'Default'
Advanced ---> Select 'Restore Defaults'
1) Launch an Internet Explorer Browser
2) Choose Tools
3) Choose Internet Options
4) Choose Advanced
5) UNcheck the option: "Check for server certificate revocation"
6) Choose OK
7) Close all open copies of Internet Explorer, then restart it
We now allow video game consoles on ResNet. To connect your game console to the network, simply plug it in to the network jack in your room. Clean Access has been configured to detect a game console and put it in a special role.
Following game consoles are supported:
Note that some games may still not work on ResNet. This could be due to security policies in Clean Access. If you are unable to play a certain game, the ports required for the game may be blocked. Send us the details and we will evaluate the request.
If you wish to have your computer connected at the same time, simply connect a hub to the jack and then your computers and game consoles to the hub.
We do not provide any other support for these types of devices and applications. Students are reminded that ResNet is primarily for education use only. Any abuse of ResNet services with these gaming devices is strictly prohibited.

