Central Modem Pool To Be Retired August 1, 2005

The central modem pool will be shut down on August 1, 2005. This will affect services delivered through the following telephone numbers: 847-467-2300, 847-467-6000, 847-467-7569, and 312-503-0391. Network security concerns, declining modem pool usage, and low-cost alternative access were factors in the decision. For detailed information, please visit Retirement of Central Modem Pool Services.

Retirement of the modem pool will not affect accounts on the NU Network, and e-mail sent on or after August 1 will still be available. However, former modem pool users who want to access their NU e-mail from on- or off-campus will need to find another Internet Service Provider.

Faculty, staff, and students have a variety of options for accessing the Northwestern University Network from off-campus, and are encouraged to review the following information to help facilitate moving from the Central Modem Pool.

Internet resources from home
Broadband access to the Internet via DSL (digital subscriber line) or cable modem service is convenient, reliable, and effective. DSL and cable modem provide high-speed access to a wider range of University academic services and promote better maintenance of software through reduced download times. Dial-up Internet service, the most basic means of Internet access available, is another alternative and is most similar to the NU Modem Pool offering.

Internet resources for travelers
NUIT recommends iPassConnect for faculty and staff traveling nationally or internationally who need off-campus Internet access for University-related business purposes. You can also use national "roaming" capabilities connected to your home ISP (Internet Service Provider) service, or check with your DSL or dial-up service for possible local access numbers.

NUIT strongly recommends that all off-campus connections to the NU Network use Virtual Private Network (VPN) to safely and successfully connect to University resources. Visit Authenticating to the NU Network (VPN) for more information.

For detailed information about alternative methods of accessing the NU Network and the Internet, visit Connecting from Off-Campus.

NUIT Support Center

Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu