Search Technology Help

Need help? Call the Help Center at 617-552-HELP or use this form

Website Feedback

Visitor Network Access

temporary internet access for visitors

On this page:

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.

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 one wired jack per resident. 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.
  • Learn how to configure and activate your wired Ethernet computer for Visitor Network Access when you are on the Boston College campus. Note: Information on configuring wireless visitor network access at BC must be obtained from your host prior to or when you arrive on campus. 
Wireless access:
  • Computer/laptop must have a wireless network card.
  • Wireless network service is available in most 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.  

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). 

Information for BC student, faculty, or staff hosts

 
Using Windows Vista
Using Windows XP
Using Mac OS X
Wired Visitor Access

Vista Wired

Windows XP Wired

Mac OS X Wired

Wireless Visitor Access
Vista WirelessBC sign-in required 
(BC sign-in required)
Windows XP WirelessBC sign-in required 
(BC sign-in required)
Mac OS X WirelessBC sign-in required
 (BC sign-in required)

Important: If you are hosting a visitor who will require Internet access while at BC,
please give them printed copies of the BC visitor access setup information above.