Please note, standard modem dial-up access to the Grand Rapids Merit modem pool will not be available in the Housing system on campus.  It is reserved for off-campus use only.

To utilize the computer connection, students must furnish a basic Windows (95/98/Me) or advanced Windows (NT/2000/XP) computer with an Ethernet network card or a Macintosh with an Ethernet connection as well as a network (RJ45) cable.  Instructions for connecting to the GVSU network are available at the University Bookstore and all public labs.

Network Connection Availability in Residence Areas

Residence Halls: Copeland, Kistler and Robinson have two connections per room.

Living Centers: Each building has two connections per room.

Laker Village: Each apartment has four connections.  One per bedroom and two in the living room.

Ravine Apartments: Each building has two connections per room.

FTP Software can be used to upload web pages to your student account and to access your student network drive space.  There are many FTP client programs, and most do work from behind our firewall. 

One of the more popular clients, WS-FTP, does need to have one specific setting configured in order to ensure proper function.  So does the most recent version of Internet Explorer. 

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer, IE , has an option for passive FTP transfers. This option should be set to ensure proper FTP function with IE from behind our firewall.

To set this option, follow these simple steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click the "Tools" option on the main toolbar, then click "Internet Options" on the sub menu that pops up.

3. Now you will see the "Internet Options" window, click on the "Advanced" tab on the far right.

4. Now you will see a list of checkboxes, scroll down approximately half way, until you see the "Use passive FTP (for firewall and DSL modem capability)," Put a check in this box, and click "Apply".

That's it, you're done. 

WS FTP:

WS FTP requires the setting of a specific option in order to work correctly with our firewall. 

To do this, follow these steps:

1.  At the main WS FTP screen, and click the 'Options' button at the bottom.
2.  Click on the 'Session' tab.
3.  Make sure the 'Use Passive Transfer Mode' check box has a check in it.

That's it, and WS FTP is compatible with the firewall. 

FTP Explorer:

This FTP program also has the option to use passive mode for FTP transfers. 

If you are using FTP Explorer, use these steps below to configure:

1. Open FTP Explorer

2. When you are connecting to a host, simply check the "PASV Mode" checkbox. (shown below.