SNAP, Kenyon's residential network program

SNAP is Kenyon's residential network program, and is managed and maintained by Library and Information Services (LBIS). Students who have a personal computer can access academic information resources at Kenyon, at schools in the Five Colleges of Ohio consortium, Ohio Link, and globally, through the Internet. SNAP is provided as a service with no addition charge - no subscription, no monthly fee, and no access time limitations.

SNAP Requires

ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
Up-to-date antivirus software is strongly recommended on all Windows computers connected to Kenyon's network.  More information about the viruses that prompted this requirement, as well as information about acquiring antivirus software products, is available at Kenyon's Anti-virus Policies.

The computer must have a Network Card
Wired connections use an Ethernet 10/100-Base-T port. Wireless connections use a 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g (WI-FI compliant) wireless network adapter. We suggest that computers with wireless network cards also have a wired connection. The Ethernet port must be recognized by the computer operating system. A modem will not allow an ethernet connection.

The computer must have a supported operating system
To use the full capabilities of the SNAP connection, computers should be running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X 10.3 to 10.5. LBIS does not currently support Linux or older Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

Additional information
Additional information is available at SNAP: Suggested Minimum Recommendations.

Services SNAP Provides

SNAP service provides both a 10-Base-T or better ethernet jack and wireless access in the room for each student. Students may obtain a complimentary data cable and configuration instructions from the Helpline desk (2nd floor of Olin-Chalmers Library).

What technical support services does Kenyon provide?

Instructions for connecting to the Kenyon network are available on the web at LBIS Residence Hall Networking SNAP (http://lbis.kenyon.edu/snap/). Using these instructions, most students will be able to connect their computer to the network on their own. Students who do require additional assistance should contact Helpline at x5700. However, due to liability and insurance issues, LBIS staff cannot install network cards or make other hardware alterations to student computers.

The LBIS staff can assist students with networking the following operating systems: Windows XP and Vista, Apple OS X 10.3–10.5. We cannot guarantee every student's computer can connected to the network, but we will make every attempt to assist students.

Network Interface Card specifications

SNAP services require a computer be equipped with either a 10/100 Ethernet network port or a 802.11 a/b/g (WI-FI compliant) wireless network adapter. To know if your computer already has a 10-Base-T Ethernet port, look at the back of the computer for a phone jack style port, only larger. Do not confuse this with a modem. Most computers can be purchased with a network card or one can be added to an existing system. For laptop computers that do not have an Ethernet port, a network adapter will need to be purchased from the computer manufacturer. You must bring to campus the compatible drivers and configuration software that came with your network card and any other software disks that may be needed, for example the Windows CD-ROM! These tools will be invaluable in the event of problems with networking.

Network interface cards can not be installed by Library and Information Services (LBIS) staff, due to liability issues. Students that are not able to install network cards themselves should make arrangements for installation by qualified local service representatives. In all cases, you should make sure that the network card is fully recognized and operational in your computer system before attempting to connect to the Kenyon network.

SNAP Restrictions

A major emphasis for LBIS is support of the campus-wide network, however it is not possible to guarantee uninterrupted service. Interruptions of service can result from many causes, including lightning strikes in the area, hardware failures, scheduled maintenance of the network, as well as failures of a subscriber's computer.

The Kenyon network was established for academic use. Any use that has a negative impact on other users can result in immediate loss of SNAP access.

It is essential that personal wireless devices do not interfere with other users' ability to access the Kenyon network. To protect the residential wireless data network that all students use from interference and interruption, personally owned wireless devices that broadcast to create networks are prohibited in all College residences. This does not include computers with properly configured wireless network cards. Wireless network devices are electronic communication devices that broadcast in the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz frequency and can include wireless gateways, routers, wireless printers, cell phones, and even some digital music devices.

Can I run a server through my SNAP connection?

No, not to off campus users. Kenyon's campus firewall increases network security and provided protection from Internet hacking. This firewall does not protect your computer from other computers on campus. As a result of these campus wide rules, some computing behaviors such as web or game servers on personal machines are no longer an option. Personal web pages can be placed on the College web server. Information about obtaining a personal web page is available at Personal Web Pages at Kenyon. Most, if not all, server needs can be filled with a personal web page. If an individual has an academic need that cannot be accommodated through established channels, please contact LBIS for alternatives.

There are very significant issues about the ownership and quality of information you put on any server, your own computer or the Kenyon server. Copyrighted materials such as software and texts, images such as cartoons, and sound or video clips are all examples of information which you may not distribute through the computing and network resources of the College unless you are the copyright holder or have specific permission. Slanderous or harassing materials are also inappropriate according to many College policies.

In using SNAP service, you are agreeing to abide by College policies for computing resources at detailed at Library and Computer Use Policy. If you violate these policies, your SNAP service may be discontinued.