PENN PRINTOUT
The University of Pennsylvania's Online Computing Magazine

PENN PRINTOUT April 1992 - Volume 8:7

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How to connect to PennNet from your off-campus computer

By Pattie Devlin

If you have a computer at home, you already have the most expensive component you need to dial in to PennNet, the University network. Via PennNet you can access Library services such as Franklin, the online catalog, or PennData, the collection of CD-ROM databases; your e-mail account; documents posted on PennInfo, the campus-wide information system; and other services and computers on the academic/research network known as the Internet. Follow the instructions below to set up the necessary hardware and software to communicate with remote computers on campus and around the world.


The hardware

To dial in to PennNet you need the following hardware:
  • computer with an asynchronous communications adapter
  • modem with power cord
  • phone jack
  • modem-to-computer cable (included with modem or purchased separately)
  • modem-to-phone jack cable (a standard phone cable usually included with the modem)
The illustration shows a standard setup using an external 2400 baud modem (2400 baud is the data transfer speed that popularly priced modems support. Faster 9600 baud communication is also supported on PennNet; 9600 baud modems are more expensive). Connect the modem, computer, telephone, and jack as shown in the illustration. Most modems have several ports for cables and cords, much like the ones illustrated. On a Macintosh, the asynchronous adapter that the modem-to-computer cable plugs into is the modem port (phone icon) on the back of the machine; on an IBM/compatible it is a 9- or 25-pin serial port (on newer machines the port may be labeled "serial").


The Software

Communications software is required to make a connection to a remote computer and to handle the commands for sending and receiving data. The software must be configured to match certain specifications of your equipment and the computer or service you plan to communicate with, in this case, PennNet. See the screen captures at right for instructions on setting up CRC-supported software for PennNet communications.

The supported communications package for IBM/compatibles is ProComm 2.4.2, a shareware product that you can obtain at the Computing Resource Center (provide one high-density or two low-density disks, and send the amount requested by the developer to the address provided with the software). The supported communications software for the Macintosh is MicroPhone II, v. 4, a commercial package that you can purchase at a discount at the Computer Connection.


Dialing into PennNet

Once you have set up your hardware and configured your software for PennNet access (7 databits, 1 stop bit, and even parity), follow the instructions for dialing up a remote computer in your communications software documentation.

When you access PennNet via modem, you will need to enter a PennNet ID and password. To set these up, bring your PennCard to one of the following locations and follow the instructions at the terminal: CRC, Locust Walk, opposite the Bookstore; PennCard ID Center, Suite 323A, 3401 Walnut St.; Engineering CETS, Room 164 Moore School Graduate Wing; and Biomedical Library, Johnson Pavilion.

If you have any problems dialing in, call the CRC, 898-9085, or send e-mail to crc@a1.relay.

PATTIE DEVLIN is a Consultant for the Computing Resource Center.