Internet Access without VPN Client

Hey,

Since so many people asked me about the possibility to get internet access within INF 129 without using the cumbersome and slow method via a VPN client, I wanted to give a manual how to get access using an alternative which is way faster and more reliable. The uni-network's speed is relatively high, but as far as I know the VPN servers are a bottleneck. The method I'm going to present is avoiding this via using an authentication protocol called 802.1x. This is similar to a wifi authentication, just for a wired network. Don't be scared, it's quite easy, just takes some clicking around.
I'll explain it step by step with screenshots from the German version of Windows 7 (btw: you can get a free copy of Windows 7 at the URZ at  http://www.urz.uni-heidelberg.de/programme/msdnaa.html ). I'll provide a translation where I think it would be necessary.

A similar tutorial for Macs can be found here (I couldn't test it though):
http://www.uio.no/english/services/it/network/student-residential-network/instructions/mac10-5/

A German tutorial is provided by the URZ here: http://www.urz.uni-heidelberg.de/zugang/dot1x/

To my knowledge, this method works only at INF 129 so far and not at the other dorms.


Update (18.02.2012)
I added an alternative to step 9, which corresponds to the one from the URZ howto. The original version works with me though.

1.

Press the Windows Key + R
A window will show up.
Type in "services.msc".





2.

In the list, look for "Wired AutoConfig" (German: "Automatische Konfiguration (verkabelt)" ). Double-click on it.

3.

Select "Automatic" at "Startup type", then "Start" and confirm by clicking on "OK".

4.

Right-click on the network icon in the task bar. Select "Network and Sharing center".

5.

Select "Local Area Connection".

6.
Click on "Properties" in the following window:

7.

There, select "Authentication":

8.

Check everything according to the screenshot below, then select "Settings".

9.

Select "Deutsche Telekom Root CA 2" under "Trusted Root Certification Authorities", then "Configure ...".

Alternative:

10.

Uncheck the checkbox here.

11.

Almost done! Click "Ok" in both windows. You should be back here:

Click on "Additional Settings".

12.

 Here, select "user authentication" :

13.

After clicking "Ok" here and in the Properties-windows. The following window should pop up:

Type in your URZ account data.

14.

Select "Public Network" in the following window:

This is it! Enjoy!

2. Heimversammlung / 2nd Dorm Meeting

Hey people of INF 129,

Here's the summary of the second Heimversammlung:

• One of the main points was, that the effort to improve the social life at the dorm was acclaimed and the Heimsprecher want to keep the opportunity to meet Thursdays in the common room.
• Remember that you'll have to hand in your certificate of enrollment ("Immatrikulationsbescheinigung") soon. You'll be notified via mail and postings at the entrance.
• The dorm party was a huge improvement to the last ones (at least that's my opinion). The christmas party was also well received.
• The removal of the bikes which are still marked with warning tape will start soon.
• After the problems with the dryers last semester, the elevators started to have more and more issues the last months. However, they should be fixed now and hopefully work for some time ...
• If you haven't done it yet: Please donate 5€ or more at the Heimkasse (treasurer). As last semester, Florian Mulks is reponsible for this.

Besides these points, the usual administrative matters were handled:

• Election of the new Heimsprecher (~dorm spokesmen) : Inna Krieger, Stefan Kattner and Stefan Lindner
• Election of the Heimkasse: Florian Mulks
• Assignment of the Sonderaufgaben