What is BC Visitor Network Access?

Boston College Visitor Network Access provides limited, temporary Internet access for visitors, conference/meeting attendees, colleagues from other institutions, sports media, vendors making presentations, etc.

What services are available when using Visitor Network Access?

• Web - browse websites at Boston College and beyond, including secure websites (https).
• Email via the Web - check your email via the web as an alternative to an email application.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - transfer files to an FTP server.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network) - connect to a remote network.
• SSH (Secure Shell) - connect to a remote computer.
• NTP (Network Time Protocol) - synchronize the time on your computer across the network.

How is Visitor Network Access limited?

• Visitor network access ends daily at 6:00 AM. For continued access, you must re-activate your computer.
• Email can only be accessed via the web (Outlook, Apple Mail, etc. will not work with Visitor Network Access).
• Instant Messenger use, such as AIM and MSN Messenger, is not allowed.

What about security?

It is the responsibility of BC Visitor Network Access users to protect their computers from viruses and other malicious code. Please ensure that your system's virus protection and operating system are up-to-date and active.

How can visitors connect to the Internet at Boston College?

Visitors may connect to the Internet at Boston College via wired Ethernet or wireless access.

Wireless access:

• Computer/laptop must have a wireless network card.
• Wireless network service is available in residence hall rooms, classrooms, offices, libraries, dining halls, and outdoor common areas.
• Boston College requires all visitors, faculty, students, staff, and affiliates to review and accept the BC Network Acceptable Use policy during network activation.

Wired Ethernet access:

• Computer/laptop must have a wired Ethernet card and an Ethernet cable.
• Many classrooms and conference rooms on campus are equipped with an Ethernet network jack for wired access. All residence hall rooms have a wired jack. Check with your host to confirm the availability of a wired network Ethernet jack for your use.
• Boston College requires all visitors, faculty, students, staff, and affiliates to review and accept the BC Network Acceptable Use policy during network activation.

Instructions for connecting to the Internet at BC:

Who to contact if you have a Visitor Network Access question or problem

You may contact the BC Help Center at help.center@bc.edu or by phone at (617) 552-HELP (4357).