Over the last couple of years we have noticed a tremendous increase in network traffic. Our campus uses local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). It is possible for one or two users to consume enough of these resources that it will degrade response time for all users on our system. These instances are generally illegal servers sharing copyrighted and/or licensed software or media.

Some of the more common programs responsible for this are Napster, Audio Galaxy, Kazaa/Morpheous, Gnutella, CuteMX, FTP, Computer Viruses and others. The formats are generally in audio or video, or in the case of viruses generally spam email or chain letter email.

When an individual system is causing a problem, an attempt is made to contact the owner and action is taken to reduce the impact on the network. Various tools are used to watch for capacity issues. It is the responsibility of the owner to have appropriately configured and updated antivirus program installed.

Network bandwidth has a cost. The more bandwidth used the higher the cost. The mission here is to allow adequate resources for academically relevant applications with priority, balance resources so all users have equal access and response time, educate users on network activities and oblige licensed and copyrighted software and media

Please refer to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education Policy Manual: NDUS Policy

Through your cooperation and responsible use/monitoring of our network, Dickinson State University will be able to continue to offer a user friendly, responsive system and effectively manage costs associated with the delivery of services.

Located at 8th Avenue West and 3rd Street West in Dickinson
Admissions: 1-800-483-HAWK
Local: 483-2109
E-Mail: Todd.Hauf@dsu.nodak.edu