Networking - GenNet Protected vs Unprotected

Owned by Justin Pollok
Last updated: Jul 30, 2024
2 min read

Learn more about GenNet “Protected” and “Unprotected” connections here. Most devices should be using the default Protected profile which is selected automatically for 802.1X (EID and EID password) connections.

To remotely access a Windows machine that’s on a GenNet Protected connection, you must utilize the UT Remote Desktop Gateway (active UT EID login session required to access this page, so login when prompted and reopen the RDG link if it doesn’t redirect you correctly). We have recently implemented a similar SSH Gateway service (SSHG) for Linux devices.

Reminder: Third-party remote access tools such as TeamViewer, VNC Viewer, Chrome Remote Desktop are strictly prohibited in general across campus as they bypass campus 2FA requirements and introduce other security concerns. Exceptions are approved case-by-case by ME IT.

Register a device as Unprotected

The following will remove the protected status from your device’s GenNet connection. For wired connection, this is only applicable when connecting to a GenNet-configured port.

Removing this protection does not affect any security on the device itself (like a Windows firewall).  If you do not have adequate security on the device, setting this status can open your device to network attacks from other campus systems (including our 50,000 personal student laptops). 

 

  1. Log into the UT Network Portal (https://network.utexas.edu/ )

  2. If you have not already, register the device.

    1. Click "Register Wired Device" or "Register Wi-Fi Device" depending on your need.

    2. Fill out the information in the form

      1. Finding the MAC address (https://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-MAC-Address-of-Your-Computer ) - make sure you are getting the MAC address for the correct connection type (wired or Wi-Fi)

      2. For UT owned computers, please enter the computer name (How do I find my Computer Name?). For other UT owned devices, please start the description with your department abbreviation (ex. "ME - Dr. PhD's wireless robot 1")

      3. Select "Unprotected" for the network profile

 

Once registered, you can change the status later or delete the registration to put the device's connection back into a protected state

If you have any problems, please contact ME IT at mech-it@austin.utexas.edu

 

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