NAC - Network Access Control

Registering Your Computer on the Network

Colby Information Technology Services employs a Network Access Control (NAC) system in all Residence Hall networks (both wired and wireless).  The system is designed to be a proactive tool that helps to ensure that computers attaching to the Colby network are secure by registering computers to their owners and checking for up-to-date anti-virus software, operating system updates and certain vulnerabilities.

Registration is mandatory for any networked device (computers, handhelds, game systems, DVRs, etc.) in the Colby Residence Halls.  If you are currently on campus, you can register your device by going to http://ns8200.colby.edu. This site is only accessible from on campus. If your device does not have a web browser or cannot load the registration Web page, contact Student Computer Services (SCS) at ext. 4224 to register the device.

Upon connecting a computer to the network in the Residence Halls, your web browser will automatically be redirected to the registration page.  In order to register a computer on the network, the following is required:

-          A valid Colby e-mail account and password

-          Up-to-date anti-virus software

o       Free and Colby-provided anti-virus software can be downloaded through the NAC during registration

-          Relevant operating system (such as Apple or Windows) updates and patches

This system will be operated in accord with the rights to privacy that members of the Colby community are assured under the Code of Ethics for Information Technology at Colby College.  As in the past, there is no monitoring of individual network use.  The NAC system will help protect student computers from attack by infected computers and facilitate communication with students when their computers become infected.

Local (wired) Ethernet hubs and switches will function normally and typically do not require registration, however each computer or device using the hub must be registered or the entire hub will be placed in a registration or remediation zone until the problem is resolved.  For more information, see the document on personal hubs and switches.

Personal wireless access points and routers are prohibited in all residence halls because all residence halls are now covered by the Colby Wireless network.  Student Computer Services not register personal access points or provide support for them, and ITS reserves the right to disable any personal networking equipment that creates interference or otherwise conflicts with the campus networks.  For more information, see the NAC frequently asked questions.

If you have any questions or problems with the registration system or network connectivity in general, please contact Student Computer Services at 859-4224 (x4224 on campus) or emailing scshelp@colby.edu.