Skip to content Skip to site navigation Skip to service navigation

Connecting to Stanford's Wired Network with Mac OS X

Register your computer

You must register your computer's hardware Ethernet ID before your computer can communicate over SUNet.

If you already know your hardware Ethernet ID and have provided it to your Local Network Administrator or Peer Technology Specialists, you can skip to Configuring for Ethernet connection.

  1. Click the System Preferences icon in the dock.

    System Prefernces icon in dock

  2. In the Internet & Network section, click  Network.

    System Preferences window

  3. In the Network system preferences window, make sure that Ethernet (in the left panel) is selected. Click Advanced.

    Network information window
  4. Click the Ethernet tab. Write down the displayed  Ethernet ID and then click OK.

    Note: You will not be able to use your computer on the network until your connection information has been registered.

    Ethernet address
  5. Quit System Preferences.

Configuring for Ethernet connection

Once you have registered your computer for network access, you can follow these steps to complete the configuration:

  1. Click the System Preferences icon in the dock.

    System Prefernces icon in dock

  2. In the Internet & Network section, click  Network.

    System Preferences window

  3. In the Network system preferences window, make sure that Ethernet  is selected. Click the lock, located in the bottom left corner of the window, if it is closed and authenticate using your administrator name and password. Then, click Advanced.

    Network information window
  4. Click the TCP/IP tab and enter the following:
    • In the Configure IPv4 field, select Using DHCP
    • Leave the DHCP Client ID field blank.
    • In the Configure IPv6 field, select Automatically.
    TCP/IP preferences
  5. Click OK to close the TPC/IP preferences window.
  6. In the Network system preferences window, click Apply to finish the configuration.
  7. Quit System Preferences.

Getting additional help

You can contact the Stanford IT Help Desk via HelpSU for consulting help.

Apple's Web site also contains helpful tips for troubleshooting common Internet connection issues.

For additional help, contact Peer Technology Specialists or your department's Local Network Administrator (LNA) or Expert Partner.

Last modified February 4, 2021