Network Access System (NAS)

The West Chester University student data network is a secured environment.  All students that connect to the network must comply with the acceptable use and connectivity policies.  When you connect a computer to the student data network it will automatically be redirected to the Network Access System (NAS) login page (Internet Browser).  Most game consoles are automatically detected, so there are no user actions necessary.   However, connected computers must pass the following policies.  Click on any of the policies for more details.

1. Authentication

2. Network Access System Policy Key

3. Router / NAT Device

4. Antivirus Program Installed

5. Antivirus Program Running

6. Antivirus Program Definitions Up-To-Date

7. Operating System Updates

8. Anti-Spyware Software Installed

9. Anti-Spyware Software Running

10. Music File Sharing

Authentication

Everyone that connects and uses the student network must authenticate with the Network Access System.  A valid WCU email address and password is required.  Remember that passwords expire every ninety days.  If your email password is expired, then you will be redirected back to the login page with the message "Enter Valid Credentials" displayed under the password box.

If you know your expired password then click here to go to webmail and change your password.  You can only access webmail if you have already authenticated or use a computer that has Internet access independent of the student network.  Students must authenticate after every computer restart or if the computer is disconnected and then reconnected to the network.

Network Access System Policy Key

The NAS policy key is a small program that communicates with the ResNet Central server to insure connected computer are incompliance with all stated policies.  The only information that is sent to the ResNet Central server is Yes or No for each policy.  Failure of any of the policies will result in the system being quarantined, (no network or Internet access).  If an attached computer does not have a policy key, or the policy key can not communicate with the server, then it will be redirected to the policy key download page. 

Firewall programs like Norton or McAfee Internet Security can also block the policy key from communicating with the server.  This will cause the NAS to redirect the browser back to the policy key download page even if the key is already installed.  The firewall program must be configured to allow the policy key access to the Internet.

Router / NAT Device

Personal wireless routers are discouraged.  However, if they are connected to the network, then they must be configured correctly with DHCP turned off in order to pass the Network Access System router policy.  For more information about configuring a router login and search the Trax knowledgebase.

Antivirus Program Installed

To help protect the student network from virus threats all computers that connect must have an antivirus program installed.  The NAS will recognize the following programs.  If your program is not listed call ResNet Central or submit a Trax request.

Authentium	NOD 32
AV Guard	Norton
Avast	Panda
AVG	Sophos
Bitdefender	Spy Sweeper
EZ Antivirus	Symantec
Kaspersky	Trendmicro
McAfee	Zone Alarm
MS One Care

Antivirus Program Running

The installed antivirus programs must be actively running and protecting the computer against threats, (memory resident program).  Only one anti-virus program should be installed and running on a computer or the computer will crash or operate poorly.

Antivirus Program Definitions Up-To-Date

The installed and running antivirus program's virus definition must be up-to-date.  If the antivirus program's subscription is valid then it should update it's virus definition automatically.  New computers will have a preinstalled antivirus program, however this program comes with a limited license that sometimes expire in sixty days from the date of purchase or activation.  In order for the program to continue to protect the computer you must purchase a new subscription.  However, ResNet Central does make available antivirus software.  If the Network Access System reports to you that your antivirus program's definitions are out of date, then you will be quarantined until the program is either renewed or updated.  If you uninstall the out-of-date antivirus program you will be redirected to an antivirus software download page.

Operating System Updates

All computers must be configured to download and install critical updates.  To check if your computer is configured to install critical updates open the control panel or system preference and select Auto Updates or Software Updates.

Anti-Spyware Program Installed

An anti-spyware program must be installed.  The Network Access System will recognize the following programs.  If you need to remove your antivirus program because the subscription is expired and it is also your anti-spyware program, then after you install an antivirus program you may also be redirected to a page to download an anti-spyware program if your computer does not have one of the programs that are listed below installed.

Ad-Aware	Spybot S&D
Counter Spy	Spy Sweeper
McAfee	Symantec
MS Defender	Zone Alarm
Sophos

Anti-Spyware Program Running

The installed anti-spyware program must be actively protecting the computer, (memory resident program).  Multiple anti-spyware programs can run on the same computer, so if you already have a program that you are using, then it does not have to be removed.

Music File Sharing

Sharing music while connected to the student network is prohibited.  If you are sharing music using a shared folder or a music sharing program, then your computer will be quarantined until the shared folders or music sharing programs are removed or disabled.