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ITS / VUnet Services / VUaccess

VUaccess
Vanderbilt's dial-in modem service

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The Vanderbilt dial-in modem service is for the use of Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff in support of Vanderbilt research and instructional programs only. By University policy, other use is discouraged. Please use an Internet service provider (ISP) for personal or family member Internet access.

In order to use the VUaccess modem service, you must have a VUnetID. You may also need to obtain the appropriate dial-in software from the ITS Help Desk. They will give you a free CD which includes VUaccess dial-in software and installation instructions.

NOTE: Effective August 31, 2004, ITS began blocking most NETBIOS from the VUaccess modem pool. Exceptions are VUspace, WINS and DNS. As a result, users will no longer be able to map to Vanderbilt desktop drives or department servers using VUaccess. VUspace remains available as an alternative means to retrieve files. This change in policy is because ITS has observed multiple machines under attack by the SDBOT worm. Given the severity of the problem and no known fix at this time, we believe blocking NETBIOS is necessary to maintain availability of the Vanderbilt network.


Students calling from off-campus should dial 343-9490. This number gives access to the entire VUaccess modem pool. Faculty and staff will not be able to log in using this number, nor is this number accessible from on-campus residences.

For faculty, staff and other access to modems, dial 343-9491. This general-access number, available to anyone with a valid VUnetID, connects to approximately 2/3 of the VUaccess modem pool. Students automatically roll over to the general-access portion of the modem pool when the student-only portion is full.

Maximum connect time for all modems is two hours for connections made from 6 a.m. until midnight, and four hours for connections made from midnight until 6 a.m. Connect time schedules are identical for the student-only and general-access phone numbers.

Modems provide speeds up to 56 kbps. If you have trouble connecting, the ITS Help Desk will provide assistance at (34)3-9999.


General information about VUaccess

VUaccess supports PPP (point-to-point protocol), terminal connection, or ARA (Apple remote access). A preferred alternative to ARA for users who wish to connect remotely to their desktop Macintosh computers is Shareway IP.

VUaccess usage reports are available for observing modem pool usage for the past week. These reports can help you find the best times to gain access to this shared resource. Usage reports indicate saturation throughout much of the day and evening on the general access service and at some times on the student-only service. You are likely to encounter busy signals.

If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact the ITS Help Desk at (34)3-9999.


Alternatives to VUaccess

VUaccess usage reports indicate saturation throughout much of the day and evening on the general access service and at some times on the student-only service. If you'd like to avoid busy signals, as well as take advantage of faster speeds or additional services, you might choose to get off-campus Internet service from a provider other than Vanderbilt. The ISP Information page offers advice on selecting an outside Internet service provider and a short list of ISPs.