Connecting to the Visitor's Network
What is the Visitor's Network?
The Visitor's network (stviz.org) is a local area network which is
separate from the internal STScI network.
Official visitors to the STScI should use this network for
internet access.
Please refer to the STScI
Network Connection Policy (II-F-6).
How do I access the Network?
- Wireless access in the STScI auditorium
- Computers in the STScI Cafeteria
- Wired access and computer in the STScI Library
- Wired access in selected locations such as conference rooms and individual offices
for visitors staying a month or more.
Contact your STScI host to find out what locations are available to you.
As an STScI host, how do I request network and internet access for my visitor?
Your visitor can get either wired access in some offices and conference rooms
or wireless access in the auditorium. Please contact the CPT Help Desk
and provide the following information:
- Hosting person
- Room number of the Visitor
- Desired port number, if known
- Leave Date of Visitor. (Port will be disabled after the leave date.)
Please give a copy of this web page to all your visitors.
What services are available?
Two printers are available on the Visitor network.
In the Mueller building, the printer (stvizprinter1, 192.83.252.252)
is located in the Copy Center, room S216 (same floor as the Auditorium).
In Bloomberg, the printer (stvizprinter2, 192.83.252.253) is located on the 6th floor with the STScI offices.
Instructions to
configure a printer are available.
Access from the Visitor's network to the STScI network (stsci.edu) has
the same security restrictions as access from any other network. If
you connect to the stsci.edu network, you can only use SSH, FTP (ports
21 and 22), SSL, IMAP, SMTP and WEB ports. The following connections
are not allowed into the stsci.edu network: telnet, LPR (printer),
NTP, all files-type connections (NFS, HFS, SMB), all port connections
between ports 1 and 1024, with the exception of those listed above.
How do I connect my laptop to a port in an office or conference room?
All ports are numbered, and your STScI host will tell you what port to use.
Only use the port(s) your host provides.
Do not unplug any equipment to make a port available,
nor should you plug your equipment into an apparently unused port.
The port will provide you with a DHCP connection and will autonegotiate
the speed.
Who should I contact if I have a question or problem?
Please check with the person hosting your visit at the STScI.
If you are attending a conference or meeting, check with
your colleagues, as configuration issues are often
quickly solved this way.
What about security?
Please ensure that your system's virus checking and other security
mechanisms are up to date and active. In the event that a security or
other problem is detected on the network (e.g. suspicious activity
originates from inside the network), the network will be shut down
until the problem is resolved.
Do not connect any equipment to the STScI network. Please contact
the CPT Help Desk (x4400,
support@stsci.edu) for
questions about the STScI network.
How do I configure my laptop for wireless?
Any Wi-Fi (802.11b) compatible wireless card will be able to connect
to the wireless access point. No account registration is needed. You
must setup your client for DHCP, and NO WEP encryption. If you are
using an existing wireless configuration, you must save it and go back
to factory defaults. If you have a Cisco wireless card (as many STScI
staff do), you should create a new profile.
The STScI does not provide wireless cards to visitors. Please work
with the IT staff at your home institution to make sure that your
system is ready to recognize a wireless access point.