Stay Connected Off-Campus

Whether you're faculty or staff, on a business trip or on vacation, you have a wide variety of choices for off-campus Internet access. Find details at our "Connecting from Off-Campus" Web site about the following options.

Tips for Connecting from Home:

  • Due to decreased usage and to improve security and access for the University, the Northwestern Modem Pool will be terminated on August 1, 2005. If you have been using the Northwestern Modem Pool from home, you will need to choose an alternative Internet service. Many local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer relatively low-cost dialup service that you can purchase on a per-usage basis for as low as 1 cent per minute. Visit Dial-Up Internet Access from Home for more dial-up information.

  • If you spend lots of time on the Internet, downloading large files, and/or viewing multimedia-rich Internet content, we recommend a high-speed DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or cable modem connection. Visit High-Speed Internet Access from Home for high-speed provider information and comparisons.

Tips for Connecting Away from Home:

Do your work assignments take you far from home? If you will be taking your computer somewhere that does not have special network accommodations, then modem communication may be your only alternative. The challenge becomes finding a telephone number local to where you are staying that gives you Internet connectivity. There are three options for this:

  • First option - Use national "roaming" capabilities connected to your home ISP service OR use low-cost, "pay as you go" dial-up services. Many dial-up and DSL services have national networks of local access numbers. This allows you to access the Internet with a local phone call while traveling, instead of paying long-distance access charges. Note: This does not apply to cable modem service.

  • Second option - NUIT has partnered with iPassConnect to offer Internet access to faculty and staff for a monthly fee. iPassConnect is a national and international network service with over 19,000 access points in 160 countries. Faculty and staff have reported much success with the ease and reliability of using iPassConnect while traveling overseas.

  • Third option - Dial long-distance to your home ISP from your hotel while traveling. This option can be very expensive (but may be your only option if your ISP doesn't offer travel connections for your destination). Hotels, resorts and conference centers often add hefty surcharges on long-distance calls (even calls to 800 numbers).

Other connection alternatives while traveling include the use of wireless hotspots. Many hotels and businesses (such as Starbucks and Borders) have adopted Internet wireless access, often for a nominal fee. Ensure that you have an internal or external wireless card for your laptop and call the hotel ahead of time to inquire about wireless hotspot locations. For mobility options, including the use of handheld devices, please visit NUIT's Mobile Telephone Services Web site.

Visit NUIT's Dial-up Connection While Traveling to get all the information you need for connecting to the Internet while on the road, including Northwestern Traveler Scenarios for Internet Connections.