You can connect your computer to the CTIO Network at almost any open ethernet port or free ethernet cable. On the mountain, each telescope has a 4-port hub specifically for visitor computer connections. There is also a hub with ports available in the mountain library, located in the Round Office Building (ROB). We are planning to offer ethernet outlets available in the astronomer dorm rooms and cafeteria sometime in late 2001.
Downtown, in the main CTIO conference room, there are open outlets all along the table. There are also outlets in the "kitchen" across the hall from the conference room, as well as in the library and the computer room (except during our Jan-Mar REU program, when all of the computer room space is taken by our summer students).
While we encourage visitors to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for their network setup. This allows the computer to ask our DHCP server for the necessary IP numbers, netmask, etc. when it is turned on, so you (the human) don't have to go asking our system administrators for IP numbers and help setting your computer up. Also, since our network is separated into various subnets, this allows visitors to move from place to place (mountain to La Serena, or from the computer room to an empty office) without changing their network setup (which would be necessary if you use static addresses).
If you cannot use, or do not want to use, DHCP, there are static IP addresses assigned for visitors in each dome on the mountain (see posted sign in each dome) and also several available for use in the conference room (also posted). If you need to work elsewhere and must use a static IP address, contact a CTIO computer support person.
- Choose networking -> client tasks -> basic host information.
- Choose adaptor 1 panel and check "Enabled" and "Dhcp" buttons.
- Choose accept
- You may have to give a hostname under the "Hostname" panel before accept will work. Later, the DCHP server will give you a new hostname with the new IP address.
These instructions are based on RedHat 6x, but using linuxconf under
Susie and other distributions should be very similar.
If you have trouble after first reconfiguring, try a reboot. After an initial success, you should only have to restart the network and pcmcia services when moving to a new network.
Setting up a Macintosh to use DHCP is simple. Open the TCP/IP control panel (Apple Menu -> Control Panels -> TCP/IP), in the drop down menu beside "Configure", select "Using DHCP Server". Don't worry about filling in ANYTHING... your computer will request all of the information it needs. When you close the TCP/IP control panel, you may be asked if you'd like to save this configuration. Click OK and you should be ready to connect!
30 August 2000, RDB. Last updated 7 March 2001, RCS