Network security system updated

Finishing installment this past summer and finally in place for the current semester, Towson University has established its own Internet network service for residents. The Towson University Residential Network or "ResNet," is currently a wired network for computers on campus to access the internet.

The network is equipped with a Clean Access system to prevent the spreading of viruses throughout Towson's network or students' individual computers.

The network was established this semester because Towson's past contract with Comcast had expired and the University could not renew with them, according to Jim Monroe, director of networking and communication services in the office of technology services. "They were gracious enough to go month to month with us as we try to finish up with our summer break," he said.

"Going with [ResNet] seemed to be more cost efficient for the University for us to take on than to go back out to a vendor," Monroe said. "[ResNet] is like an added service or feature; it's a way to protect our network as well as students," he said.

The Clean Access feature is designed to protect the network from viruses or worms and does this by making sure each user's computer is compliant with up-to-date anti-virus software before browsing the World Wide Web.

The two major components, according to the manager of networking and engineering in OTS Eric Cannizzo, are making sure that the user's operating system is working properly and that they have a recently updated virus scanner.

"When everybody brings their PCs in, and starts hooking up, they don't have to worry about the other PCs," Cannizzo said.

"It makes sure that PCs have up to date virus scanners and things like that so viruses won't run rampant on the network."

Right now, the Clean Access service is running on auto mode. This tells student's if they are compliant with their policies but still lets users in even if they are not compliant. It is set up this way to help the transition for the students.

"At a certain point when we feel that things are under control we're going to turn off auto mode at which point it will insist that they become compliant before they're allowed on the network," Cannizzo said. "It's mostly our attempt to help students get started with the semester without having to deal with the technology."

Monroe said it gives them some information as to what they need handling on.

"It sort of targets the specifications to students to what they really need," he said.

Currently, the network is only set up for wired connections in the residence halls but it is planned to be wireless also. According to Monroe, they are just looking for the right time to install the service.

OTS is managing this network and so far has not heard of any major concerns or problems.

"Another group of people in OTS handles the student support for feedback who are out there talking to students day in and day out," Monroe said.

"It trickles down to us but we haven't heard anything yet."

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