We have now enabled the clifton and centre halls for ResNet IPTV.
See here for more information:
Archive for the 'New features!' Category
TV on ResNet trial extended - further
Thursday, May 10th, 2007
TV on ResNet trial extended
Monday, April 30th, 2007
The complete list of residences where Freewire TV can be tried is:
- Woodland Court
- The Hawthorns
- 29-33 St Michaels Park
- 43/45, 51, 61/63 St Michaels Hill
- 5, 12, 16 Osborne Villas
- 1 University Walk (Principal’s House, Institute for Advanced Studies)
- University Hall - (UH added 30th April)
- Badock Hall
- Churchill Hall
- Durdham Hall
- Hiatt Baker Hall
- Wills Hall (trial now in all Stoke Bishop halls as of 2nd May)
- Clifton Hill House
- Goldney Hall
- Manor Hall (including annexes and Sinclair House)
- Winkworth House
- Deans Court
- Unite House
- Chantry Court
- 115 Queens Rd (Clifton and Centre halls added on 10/05/07)
- Northwell House
See the original announcement about TV on ResNet for details and to try it.
There are a few people living in some of the small or more distant residences that unfortunately we will not be able to provide TV to:
- Langford old & new hostels
- 121 Redland Road
- Rodney Place
- 97 Woodland Road
We cannot provide TV to residents in those houses as there isn't enough capacity on the relatively small links we have to them. We are very sorry about this.
Update 2007-06-19: Comments are now closed as there have been no genuine comments submitted recently, only spam. If you want to comment on this article, please contact the ResNet Helpdesk.
Launch of TV on ResNet trial
Thursday, April 26th, 2007
ResNet has started trials of a new TV service, Freewire TV. This provides 15 digital TV channels to watch on your computer. It includes all the BBC digital services and other popular channels such as E4.
The initial trial is only available to ResNet subscribers in some residences. See TV on ResNet to try it out.
We've been working to get this ready for some time now and are very pleased to start the trials. We hope it will be popular - in the ResNet survey 2006 75% of students said they would watch TV on their computer if we offered it.
We may be able to extend the trial to other residences later in the term. If the trial is successful we plan to launch a full service ready for autumn 2007.
We'd love to find out what people think about this and how well it works for them. If you are taking part in the trial and would like to give us any feedback, please comment on the blog below or email the ResNet help desk. Please read the FAQ first though, as that answers most of the questions people have.
Update 2007-06-19: Comments are now closed as there have been no genuine comments submitted recently, only spam. If you want to comment on this article, please contact the ResNet Helpdesk.
Warning - Vista and ResNet Security CD
Tuesday, April 24th, 2007
It seems that some people are bringing new Vista laptops back after the Easter vacation. Please, please, please DO NOT run the ResNet security checker with Windows Vista machines. The CD clearly states that it should only be run on Windows 2000 and XP and then exits. Windows Vista in its infinite wisdom then asks you if you want to run the CD in 'Compatibility Mode' and then emulates and XP installation so that it can run the CD. The main problem comes when the Anti-Virus is installed as version 8.0i is incompatible with Vista and can crash your machine.
To get Vista going on ResNet, visit<http://register.resnet.bristol.ac.uk> with your Vista machine and follow the on-screen instructions. McAfee version 8.5i is available to download and install from there.
We currently have about 42 machines running windows Vista.
Fair Usage Policy - Initial Results
Tuesday, April 24th, 2007
We are making the initial results of the new policy publicly available so users are aware of what's going on.
We have calculated, based on past usage, the number of people that may be affected by the new policy. This data is in the expected column.
Week 1 (Monday 24th April to Sunday 29th April)
| Day | Restricted Network | Total Restricted | Average Restricted Days | Warning Emails >80% | Total Emails | UL/DL Ratio All Restricted Users | ||
| Actual | Expected | Actual | Expected | |||||
| Tue 24th (Early am) | 15 (<0.4%) | 21 | - | - | 6 | 13 | - | 2.75 |
| Wed 25th (Early am) | 58 (<1.5%) | 50 | 73 (<1.8%) | 71 | 5.21 | 31 | 44 | 1.60 |
| Thu 26th (Early am) | 56 (<1.4%) | 69 | 129 (<3.2%) | 140 | 4.68 | 59 | 103 | 1.38 |
| Fri 27th (Early am) | 39 (<1%) | 80 | 168 (4.2%) | 220 | 4.29 | 104 | 207 | 1.20 |
| Sat 28th (Early am) | 62 (<1.6%) | 100 | 230 (<5.8%) | 320 | 3.67 | 141 | 348 | 1.07 |
| Sun 29th (Early am) | 62(<1.6%)* | 112 | 292 (<7.3%) | 432 | 3.10 | 186* | 534 | 0.88 |
Notes on Tuesday 24th:
The 15 users that were moved to the restricted network had a combined upload to download ratio of 2.75 so it is likely that they were moved because the either couldn't, wouldn't or didn't know how to control the upload traffic.
For probably the first time in the history of ResNet there was noticeable drop in traffic between 6pm and midnight. There was no increase in latency and no packet loss so this is all very positive.
One minor problem was noticed for the hour before 6pm. Latency increased slightly because the upload link was saturated which would have had a detrimental affect on real-time applications. We are looking into solving this.
Notes on Friday 27th:
The number of people being moved to the restricted network is decreasing which suggests that people are not doing P2P during peak times (our traffic graphs also support this). The latency and packet loss for the vast majority of the day is excellent so hopefully all the real-time application users are happy. There is still a slightly higher latency spike for the hour before 6pm - this is probably when people are cramming in downloads before the peak period begins.
Notes on Sunday 29th:
* The script that runs every evening failed on its early Sunday run because of an error in the code. This has now been corrected. 62 people were not moved to the restricted network and the 186 warning emails were not sent to users that were over 80% usage.
Week 2 (Monday 30th April to Sunday 6th May)
| Day | Restricted Network | Total Restricted | Average Restricted Days | Warning Emails >80% | Total Emails | UL/DL Ratio All Restricted Users | ||
| Actual | Expected | Actual | Expected | |||||
| Tue 1st (Early am) | 13 (<0.3%) | 21 | - | - | 6 | 9 | - | 4.06 |
| Wed 2nd (Early am) | 22 (<0.5%) | 50 | 35 (<0.9%) | 71 | 5.37 | 23 | 32 | 2.40 |
| Thu 3rd (Early am) | 30 (<0.8%) | 69 | 65 (<1.7%) | 140 | 4.74 | 35 | 67 | 1.49 |
| Fri 4th (Early am) | 40 (<1%) | 80 | 105 (<2.6%) | 220 | 4.08 | 68 | 135 | 0.80 |
| Sat 5th (Early am) | 32 (<0.8%) | 100 | 137 (<3.4%) | 320 | 3.59 | 100 | 235 | 0.79 |
| Sun 6th(Early am) | 54 (<1.3%) | 112 | 191 | 432 | 2.86 | 169 | 404 | 0.65 |
Week 3 (Monday 7th May to Sunday 13th May)
| Day | Restricted Network | Total Restricted | Average Restricted Days | Warning Emails >80% | Total Emails | UL/DL Ratio All Restricted Users | ||
| Actual | Expected | Actual | Expected | |||||
| Tue 8th (Early am) | 9 (<0.3%) | 21 | - | - | 6 | 7 | - | 1.87 |
| Wed 9th (Early am) | 18 (<0.5%) | 50 | 27 (<0.7%) | 71 | 5.33 | 20 | 27 | 1.20 |
| Thu 10th (Early am) | 28 (<0.7%) | 69 | 55 (<1.4%) | 140 | 4.65 | 41 | 68 | 0.90 |
| Fri 11th (Early am) | 56(<1.3%) | 80 | 111 (<2.6%) | 220 | 3.82 | 68 | 136 | 0.57 |
| Sat 12th (Early am) | 58 (<1.3%> | 100 | 169 (<4.2%) | 320 | 3.54 | 78 | 214 | 0.52 |
| Sun 13th(Early am) | 91 (<2.2%) | 112 | 260(<6.5%) | 432 | 2.65 | 93 | 307 | 0.42 |
Update 2007-06-19: Comments are now closed as there have been no genuine comments submitted recently, only spam. If you want to comment on this article, please contact the ResNet Helpdesk.
Fair usage policy - limits removed for off-peak usage
Wednesday, April 18th, 2007
What are we doing?
We used to have an allowance of 10GB a week data transfer per ResNet user. We are changing this so that in future we will have no overall limit for the whole week, but limits for the busiest time of day only. The day is divided into peak and off-peak periods:
- Off-peak period (12 midnight-6pm): no limit
- On-peak period (6pm-12 midnight): allowance of 2.5GB a person a week
Why are we doing this?
We have had a ResNet fair usage policy for a while. It tries to make sure that our pipe to the Internet is available fairly to all and not used up by a few.
The evening is the busiest time for ResNet. It is only during the busiest period that our pipe to the Internet can get full and performance suffers. We'd like to reduce usage during this time so the network still works well for everyone on it.
If we have spare capacity during the rest of the day there is no reason that people shouldn't use it then. Some things, like backups or large downloads, you can do at any time.
We are trying as far as we can to provide a service that suits everyone, or at least balances conflicting demands. For example, heavy users can schedule large downloads to take place off-peak without any penalty. As there is no off-peak limit then over a week heavy users will actually be able to do more than they could before. Reducing large transfers during the evening means that sensitive real-time usage (such as webcams, telephony or games) will work better during the busy period.
When does it start?
Monday 23rd April 2007 (start of summer term)
What happens if I use more than the allowance?
The morning after you exceed your weekly on-peak allowance your ResNet connection will be automatically moved into a different network segment and will stay there for the rest of the week. This network area is shared with other heavy users. Your connection may be much slower. You will still be able to get at websites, email, and internal University resources like Blackboard, but other things such as Skype, webcams or Internet radio will stop working.
How do I know how much I'm using?
See Manage My ResNet to view your usage.
More questions?
Please first see the fair usage policy for more information and then email us if there is more you need to know.
Comments?
If you've got any comments or suggestions on this please comment on the blog below.
Update 2007-06-19: Comments are now closed as there have been no genuine comments submitted recently, only spam. If you want to comment on this article, please contact the ResNet Helpdesk.
ResNet Newsletter 7
Thursday, March 8th, 2007
Warning about upgrading to Vista
If you buy a new computer with Windows Vista you can now connect it to ResNet. To do this use the normal in-room registration system http://register.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/ and follow the instructions.
Do not run the ResNet security CD on Vista! Doing so can cause serious problems. Instead use the in-room registration system. This will give you a new version of our McAfee AntiVirus which is Vista compatible.
If you are thinking of installing Vista on your current computer - don't! It will cause old systems to run incredibly slowly and some of your existing hardware and software will break. It is best to wait for several months for problems to be fixed - or the easiest option is to wait until you are ready to buy a brand new computer.
For more info on Vista see the ResNet blog at http://www.bristolresnet.net
New wireless hotspots in halls
Wireless hotspots are now available in many of the halls of residence. They've been installed in central areas such as bars, libraries & study rooms. Hotspots are working now in Badock, Durdham, Hiatt Baker, Manor and University Hall. Hotspots for Churchill, Clifton Hill House & Goldney are also on the way.
Hotspots are free to use for all members of the University (you don't need a ResNet subscription). Each hotspot only covers a limited area though - they don't provide wireless in your own room.
For precise locations and connection instructions see http://www.wireless.bristol.ac.uk
Win an iPod video for your views on IT services
The University is conducting a survey of all students to get your views on IT services and facilities. What would you like us to do and how could we do it better?
There is a prize draw for all completed surveys - the top prize is an iPod video worth £180, and other prizes of iPod shuffles and print/copier credits are also up for grabs. If you prefer not to enter the draw the survey is completely anonymous.
Your feedback is essential to help us provide the IT services that students need and want to use. Please got to http://www.bristol.ac.uk/student-itsurvey to let us know.
Vista + McAfee VirusScan Problems
Wednesday, March 7th, 2007
Well so far we have a whole 8 people connection to ResNet with Windows Vista and we have had (that I know of) two people needing to rebuild their systems. Both rebuilds have been caused by running the ResNet Security CD and installing the old version of McAfee VirusScan Enterprise (8.0i).
How can ResNet let us accidentally install the wrong version of McAfee VirusScan I hear you all asking.
Well, when the ResNet security CD is run, we check to see what version of Windows is being run, if it is not 2000 or XP, we exit the installation. Vista (in its infinite wisdom) then pipes up saying something about running the install in compatibility mode, emulating (probably) XP, so the installation can continue 
After McAfee VirusScan is installed, your system will either blue screen and crash or not allow updates to the VirusScan definitions file - either way this is not good. Currently we have not been able to resurrect these dead machines.
Please, please, please do not run the ResNet Security CD on Windows Vista or your Vista installation may get fried.
To register your Vista system simply visit <http://register.resnet.bris.ac.uk> and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you are considering upgrading an existing computer to Vista - don't. Give it a few months before spending your hard earned cash on something that will probably make an older machine run like a 3-legged donkey 
Get Windows Vista on ResNet
Thursday, March 1st, 2007
Well we said that Windows Vista could be unleashed on ResNet in February and we were almost right, March 1st is pretty close 
To get Vista through the registration process you will need to visit http://register.resnet.bristol.ac.uk and follow the on-screen instructions. At some point you’ll have to phone the ResNet helpdesk to get a registration shortcut code. The phone lines are currently open from 2pm to 5:30pm Monday to Friday
We are working on making the Vista registration process more slick but currently it's a bit manual - sorry about that.
If you have any feedback about Vista, good or bad, then please drop us an email resnet-help@bristol.ac.uk
Increased upload capacity
Monday, February 19th, 2007
At 10am this morning, we increased the maximum upload speed that each user can use on ResNet. We're hoping that by allowing you to upload to the internet quicker, skype (and other VOIP applications) will become more reliable.
For info, the maximum download speed is currently set to 8Mbps, and the maximum upload speed has been increased from 2Mbps to 8Mbps (per user).
We will be keeping an eye on the traffic graphs and the packet loss/latency to make sure that this doesn't cause any unforseen problems.
Don't forget that uploads are included in your weekly traffic allowance, which you can check online keep an eye on your usage so that you don't get caught out!