Microcomputer Services

Get Connected with a Cable Modem

Introduction
Cable modem service uses a coax cable television line to transmit data up to 1200 percent faster than a modem. Cable modem service in the Willamette Valley is provided by Comcast. For more information on availability, pricing and other options, please see the Comcast web site.

Installation
The cable modem installer will install the necessary hardware, configure your computer for your cable modem and test the connection before he or she leaves unless you select the self-installation option.

Accessing the University of Oregon
Cable modem users will be able to access nearly every University of Oregon resource available on the internet with two major exceptions:

E-mail
When setting up your e-mail program to access your Uoregon.edu e-mail account, users must use Comcast's SMTP (outgoing e-mail) server, smtp.comcast.net. Alternately, use a web-based e-mail program like email.uoregon.edu.

Library Web Sites
The University of Oregon Library provides electronic access to a number of databases and resources, some of which are contractually limited to University faculty, staff and students only. With cable modems, your computer will be using a non-University Internet (IP) address, and this will prevent you from accessing certain Library systems. The Library has a solution for users who need access. To configure your computer for Library access, please read the Library's web page Off-Campus Access to Library Databases.

Need "Real" UO Connectivity? Our Virtual Private Network (VPN) software can allow you to appear to be transparently connected to the UO network and encrypt your communication between your computer and our VPN hardware on the campus network. If you use this VPN method, access to UO resources is greatly simplified (i.e. the exceptions noted under "Accessing the University of Oregon" above do not apply to VPN users.) See our VPN description for more information.

Other than the exceptions noted above, all other setting are supplied by Comcast or our UO Network Settings page.

Comcast Settings and Help Information (Current as of July, 2004)

For more information on cable modems and connecting to the University, please contact our Help Desk.