ResNet

A ResNet (also Resnet or ResNET), which stands for residential network[1] (or a variation of this phrase[2][3]), is a relatively large local area network (LAN) or a metropolitan area network (MAN) provided by a university that serves the personal computers of students in their residence halls or dormitory buildings. ResNet may also refer to the department who administers such a network or the services provided via the network. A ResNet usually allows students to connect to a university's intranet with (possibly limited) access to the public Internet. ResNet is essentially the ISP for students residing in campus-managed housing.


Administration

The department, organization, or group responsible for maintenance of and support for the residential computer network is often also known as ResNet. This group may be an independent department in the central Information Technology division, the Housing department, or some other division or department. ResNet responsibilities may also lie not with a group dedicated to ResNet but may be one of many responsibilities such as those commonly held by help desks.


Services

The functions of such a department vary greatly on different campuses. Most, at least, provide assistance in connecting to the school's network. Other services may include the removal of viruses, adware, spyware, greyware, and malware, as well as services ranging from operating system or software and hardware advice to data recovery.

ResNet is slowly evolving into a full-blown computer Help Desk on many campuses and in some cases have merged into a single support group for staff, faculty, and students.

Some ResNet organizations have branched from computer only support to alternate devices such as Smart Phones,PDA, and gaming devices.


The ResNet organization

The ResNet organization is a nationwide organization conceived in 1992 to research and improve residential technologies in higher education[5]. The organization puts on an annual ResNet Symposium (and a related Professional Development Seminar), hosted by a member school[6].

The ResNet organization has evolved from its simple roots during an informal discussion at Educom, into an internationally recognized professional organization engaging in dialogue, collaboration with vendors and other professional organizations, and professional development. Via its research entity, the ResNet Applied Research Group (RARG), ResNet has contributed to the international higher education community by conducting and publishing original research on networking technologies, music and entertainment, security, and technology support.

The Annual ResNet Symposium is held on the campus of a selected host institution. Among the institutions that have hosted the symposium are Stanford University, which hosted the first ResNet Symposium in 1994, Wellesley College, Kent State University, Ferris State University, Princeton University and the Georgia Institute of Technology[6]. Over three hundred attendees, representing 170 national and international higher education institutions, typically attend the Symposium[citation needed]. The Symposium format is a mix of presentations, formal and informal discussion sessions, and vendor fair.

For ResNet 2000, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, a Pre-Conference Tutorial (PCT) was created to offer attendees a seminar style format that offered greater depth on topics. The PCT has since evolved into the Professional Development Seminar (PDS)[7]. The PDS offers attendees sessions on management, staff development, legal issues, and IT leadership.

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