Before You Begin

Make sure that your laptop is configured to obtain its IP address and name server information automatically via DHCP. Also check that your web browser connects directly to the Internet without the use of a proxy. It you run into difficulties, it may help to set your computer's clock to the correct time, and to plug it into the mains to ensure that its battery does not run low. You may also find the laptop network documentation useful.

Wireless Connections

View the list of available wireless networks, which should include eduroam, Unencrypted.maths.cam.ac.uk and Lapwing.

eduroam is a secure roaming access service which makes it easy for members of one university with eduroam to connect to the Internet wirelessly from any other university with eduroam. Because it is more secure than the other networks, it offers a fuller range of network services, and it is the recommended choice of wireless network.
eduroam needs to be configured before first use, but thereafter will ``Just Work''. Cambridge users with Windows machines can download the UCAM eduroam setup tool. Cambridge users running a different OS should refer to the Computing Service's configuration instructions. Visitors should configure their computers for eduroam access before leaving their home university, consulting with their local computer support if necessary. If your home university does not support eduroam yet, you will have to use one of the other wireless networks.
Unencrypted.maths.cam.ac.uk is our local wireless network, recommended for those who cannot use eduroam for any reason but who qualify for a Raven password i.e. staff, students and long-term visitors. If you do not have a Raven password or have forgotten it, you can apply for one.
Lapwing is recommended for short-term visitors only. Generally they will be given a Lapwing ticket upon arrival. If you are a short-term visitor and have not received a Lapwing ticket, please ask Reception or a Computer Officer for one.

Connect to the most suitable wireless network. If you are using eduroam, you do not have to do anything else - you are now connected to the Internet. If you are using Unencrypted.maths or Lapwing, start up your web browser. Follow the instructions on the ``authentication page'' to which you should be redirected. N.B. After authenticating this window must be kept open (it's OK to minimise it) or you will lose your connection and will have to authenticate again.

Wired Connections

Wired connections for laptops are also available, but only on wall-ports which have been configured as part of the CMS laptop network. These wall-ports are generally marked with a sticker or an orange cable. If you are unsure where to plug in your laptop, or you experience any difficulty setting up a wired connection, please ask for help as a new socket may need to be wired up. Do not disconnect a desktop computer so as to connect up your laptop. This will not work, because the desktops are on a different network, and will cause problems for anyone who was logged into that desktop remotely.

There are two ways to authenticate your laptop on the wired network.

Using your eduroam credentials (instructions for some common operating systems, or use the UCAM eduroam setup tool for Cambridge Windows users).
Using your web browser and Raven password in a similar manner to the Unencrypted.maths wireless network.

Printing

The laptop network documentation includes instructions on printer configuration for some common operating systems.

Security Restrictions

Once you have authenticated your laptop, you are able to browse the web and make ssh/PuTTy connections to other machines, but there may be some restrictions on what else you can do online, especially on the less secure wireless networks Unencrypted.maths and Lapwing. For example, visitors may find that they cannot connect to their home University via a VPN. For best results you are advised to use eduroam if possible, or failing that, the wired network. If you are still unable to do what you need to do, please ask for help.

The gory technical details

Email

The most straightforward way to read your email is in a web browser, if your sysadmin has set this up. Links to webmail for local users:

Hermes webmail
DAMTP webmail (most DAMTP people should be using Hermes for email)
DPMMS webmail
Statslab webmail

If you prefer to use an email client such as Thunderbird, it should be configured to use secure IMAP and SMTP (imaps on port 993 and smtps on port 465). You will need to know the names of your IMAP and SMTP servers.

Hermes: imap.hermes.cam.ac.uk and smtp.hermes.cam.ac.uk
DAMTP: If not using Hermes, see DAMTP email settings
DPMMS: both mail.dpmms.cam.ac.uk—see also Accessing Email from DPMMS Computers
Statslab: both mail.statslab.cam.ac.uk

Detailed configuration instructions for Hermes users are provided by the Computing Service, and may be of use to other people too—obviously the names of the mail servers will have to be changed.
Instructions for Statslab users on configuring the most common email clients.

Remote Access To Files

Assuming that your files are stored on a system you can ssh to, Windows users can access them from anywhere in the world with the free program WinSCP.

How To Get Help

If you have a problem with the laptop network, please email help@maths. Please give the following details to help us diagnose the problem:

The information from accessing the web page http://lapserv.maths.cam.ac.uk/authstatus/ on your laptop.
Your office number.
Which network are you connecting to (eduroam, Unencrypted.maths, Lapwing, wired eduroam, or the ``ordinary'' wired network)?
The operating system of your laptop (e.g. Windows, Mac or Linux).
Any error messages you are getting.

Connecting Your Own Computer To The Maths Network