Networking

SCS Computing Facilities supports most networking troubleshooting and questions for the School of Computer Science. Network services including desktop connectivity, IP address distribution, and domain-name services (DNS). With the exception of our two machine rooms, SCS leverages the existing CMU network infrastructure.

Access

While the CMU-Secure wireless network is available to the community (authenticating with Andrew username and password), SCS buildings restrict physical wired network access. To request wired network support (no charge) or add/change host registration information, please visit our equipment registration page.

Remote Access VPN

The CMU network is accessible remotely via the use of VPN and SSH (to in-network private or shared hosts). For remote access VPN, we use the campus SSH/DTLS-based Cisco AnyConnect VPN client.

VPN users will be prompted to approve their login through DUO Authentication when using the Campus or Full VPN service options. CMU uses 2fa to log into other protected CMU resources like email, Workday, Canvas, and Google Drive.

For more information on VPN visit How to Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Policies

Please refer to the Network Use Policies page for detailed guidelines concerning host names, domains, and creation of virtual we hosts.

Security

There is no firewall between SCS and the rest of the internet. Potential intruders scan each host on the SCS network many times per day, looking for security vulnerabilities. To compute safely in our open environment, please read our security and computing page.