The university's VPN client is called Aruba VIA and the VPN server is nomad.sandiego.edu. All VPN users must install Aruba VIA on a computer or handheld device. All full-time staff and faculty at USD are eligible for access to USD's VPN.
VPN Profile Update
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the USD Network Team is transitioning to a new, upgraded VPN server and software to enhance security and performance. As part of this change, all VPN users must update their current VPN profiles to connect to the upgraded “nomad” VPN server connection, using the Aruba VIA (Virtual Intranet Access) client. This action is required so the new server can authenticate you. Please follow the step-by-step guide below to remove your current VPN profile and set up the new one.
How to Remove and Add a VIA VPN Profile (Windows)
1. Launch the VIA Application
- Open the Virtual Internet Access (VIA) application.
- If you can't find it, search for “Virtual Internet Access” in the Windows Start Menu.
2. Open VIA Settings
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Click the gear icon (⚙️) located in the upper-left corner of the VIA window to access the settings.
3. Remove the Existing VPN Profile
- Navigate to the VPN Profile tab.
- Click Clear Profiles.
- In the next screen that automatically pops up, locate the current VPN server listing and click it (e.g., UserController1).
- Click the minus (–) button to delete the profile.
- A confirmation prompt will appear — click Continue to proceed.
4. Add a New VPN Profile
- Click the plus (+) icon to add a new profile.
- On the following screen, enter the new server details:
- Server URL: nomad.sandiego.edu
- Server Name: USD
- Click Save.
5. Connect Using the New Profile
- Select the newly created server profile and click Proceed.
- When prompted, enter your USDOne credentials:
- Username: Your username without @sandiego.edu
- Password: Your usual USDOne password
- Click Proceed.
6. Confirm the New Profile is Active
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You should now see an updated image for your VIA profile
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Click the USD seal image in the center of the window to connect.
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Complete the Duo two-factor authentication prompt to connect to the USD network.
How to Remove and Add a VIA VPN Profile macOS
- Launch the Aruba VIA Application
- Open the Aruba VPN Client on your Mac.
- Use Spotlight Search (press Command + Spacebar) and type “Aruba VPN” to find it quickly.
2. Open the VPN Client Settings
-
Click the gear icon (⚙️) located in the upper-right corner of the VPN client to open the settings menu.
3. Remove the Existing VPN Profile
- Navigate to the VPN Profile tab.
- Click Clear Profiles.
- In the next screen that automatically pops up, locate the current VPN server listing and click it (e.g., UserController1).
- Select that server and click the minus (–) icon to remove it.
- Confirm the removal by clicking Continue when prompted.
4. Add a New VPN Profile
- Click the plus (+) icon to add a new profile.
- Enter the following details:
- Server URL: nomad.sandiego.edu
- Server Name: USD
- Click Save to confirm the new profile.
5. Connect to the New VPN Profile
- Select the newly created server profile and click Proceed.
- When prompted, enter your USDOne credentials:
- Username: Your USDOne username without @sandiego.edu
- Password: Your usual USDOne password
- Click Proceed.
6. Establish the VPN Connection
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In the center of the application, click the Click to Connect button.
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When prompted, click Allow to authorize the VPN connection.
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You should now see an updated image for your VIA profile
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Click the USD seal image in the center of the window to initiate the connection.
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A Duo Push notification will be sent to your registered device; approve it to complete authentication.
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Once connected, the button will turn green, indicating a successful connection to the USD network.
How to Remove and Add a VIA VPN Profile (Ubuntu, Kali Linux, and Linux Mint)
-
Launch the VIA Application
-
Open the Virtual Internet Access (VIA) application.
-
If needed, search for it using your system's application launcher.
2. Open the VIA Settings
-
Once the application is open, click the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper-left corner to open the settings page.
3. Remove the Existing VPN Profile
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Navigate to the VPN Profile tab.
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Click Clear Profile to remove the current profile.
4. Download a New VPN Profile
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After clearing the profile, a button labeled Click to Download VPN Profile will appear.
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Click the button to begin the download process.
5. Enter New Server Information
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Ensure the Server URL is set to: nomad.sandiego.edu
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Click Download to continue.
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Click Continue when the warning pops up
6. Enter New Server Information
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Ensure the Server URL is set to: nomad.sandiego.edu
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Click Download to continue.
7. Establish the VPN Connection
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Once the new profile is downloaded, you'll see an updated University of San Diego image with the server name:
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Click the image in the center of the window to initiate the connection.
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A Duo Push will be sent to your registered device — approve it to complete the authentication process.
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You are now successfully connected to the USD network.
How to Remove and Add a VIA VPN Profile (Apple iPad)
1. Open the Application
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Locate the HPE Virtual Intranet Access app on your home screen and tap to launch it.
2. Access the VPN Profiles Tab
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Tap the VPN Profiles tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. Clear the Existing Profile
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At the bottom of the screen, tap Clear Profiles to remove any previous VPN profiles.
4. Download the VPN Profile
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On the main screen of the app, tap the button labeled Tap to Download VPN Profile.
5. Configure the VPN Server
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Enter the server name:
nomad.sandiego.edu -
Tap Download.
6. Authenticate with USDOne Credentials
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Enter your USDOne username (do not include "@sandiego.edu") and password.
-
Tap Download.
7. Confirm Profile Installation
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Once the profile is successfully downloaded, you will see the New University of San Diego logo on the “Tap to Connect” button, with nomad.sandiego.edu displayed below it.
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Tap Tap to Connect to begin the initial login process.
8. Allow VPN Configuration
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After accepting the policy, you will be asked to allow the VPN configuration to be added in your settings. Tap Allow.
9. Enter Your iPad Passcode
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The Settings app will open, prompting you to enter your iPad’s passcode. Enter your iPad passcode to proceed.
10. Complete Two-Factor Authentication
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You will receive a Duo prompt on your phone. Approve the prompt to complete the connection process.
11. Confirm Successful Connection
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Once connected, you will see a green ring around the connection button, indicating a successful VPN connection.
How to Remove and Add a VIA VPN Profile (Apple iPhone)
1. Open the Application
-
Locate the HPE Virtual Intranet Access app on your home screen and tap to launch it.
2. Access the VPN Profiles Tab
-
Click the gear icon (⚙️) located in the upper-right corner of the VPN client to open the settings menu.
3. Clear the Existing Profile
-
Navigate to the VPN Profile tab.
-
Click Clear Profiles.
4. Download the VPN Profile
-
On the main screen of the app, tap the button labeled Tap to Download VPN Profile.
5. Configure the VPN Server
-
Enter the server name:
nomad.sandiego.edu -
Tap Download.
6. Authenticate with USDOne Credentials
-
Enter your USDOne username (do not include "@sandiego.edu") and password.
-
Tap Download.
7. Confirm Profile Installation
-
Once the profile is successfully downloaded, you will see the University of San Diego logo on the “Tap to Connect” button, with nomad.sandiego.edu displayed below it.
-
Tap Tap to Connect to begin the initial login process.
8. Allow VPN Configuration
-
After accepting the policy, you will be asked to allow the VPN configuration to be added in your settings. Tap Allow.
9. Enter Your iPad Passcode
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The Settings app will open, prompting you to enter your iPad’s passcode. Enter your passcode to proceed.
10. Complete Two-Factor Authentication
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You will receive a Duo prompt on your phone. Approve the prompt to complete the connection process.
11. Confirm Successful Connection
-
Once connected, you will see a green ring around the connection button, indicating a successful VPN connection.
How to Remove and Add a VIA VPN Profile (Android Tablet)
1. Open the Application
-
Locate the HPE Virtual Intranet Access app on your home screen and tap to launch it.
2. Access the VPN Profiles Tab
-
Tap the VPN Profiles tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. Clear the Existing Profile
-
At the bottom of the screen, tap Clear Profiles to remove any previous VPN profiles.
4. Download the VPN Profile
-
On the main screen of the app, tap the button labeled Click to Download VPN Profile.
5. Configure the VPN Server
-
Enter the server name:
nomad.sandiego.edu -
Tap Download.
6. Authenticate with USDOne Credentials
-
Enter your USDOne username (do not include "@sandiego.edu") and password.
-
Tap Proceed.
7. Confirm Profile Installation
-
Once the profile is successfully downloaded, you will see the New University of San Diego logo on the “Click to Connect” button, with nomad.sandiego.edu displayed below it.
-
Tap Click to Connect to begin the initial login process.
8. Accept Permissions request
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You will be prompted to allow access to Photos and Media. Tap Allow.
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Note: If you choose ‘Don’t Allow’ it will not affect the installation
9. Allow VPN Configuration
-
After accepting the Permissions request, you will be asked to allow the VPN configuration to be added in your settings. Tap OK.
10. Complete Two-Factor Authentication
-
You will receive a Duo prompt on your phone. Approve the prompt to complete the connection process.
-
Once connected, you will see a green ring around the connection button, indicating a successful VPN connection.
How to Remove and Add a VIA VPN Profile (Android Phone)
1. Open the Application
-
Locate the HPE Virtual Intranet Access app on your home screen and tap to launch it.
2. Access the VPN Profiles Tab
-
Click the Settings gear at the top right of the screen
3. Clear the Existing Profile
-
Tap the VPN Profiles tab at the top of the Settings screen.
-
At the bottom of the screen, tap Clear Profiles to remove any previous VPN profiles.
4. Download the VPN Profile
-
On the main screen of the app, tap the button labeled Click to Download VPN Profile.
5. Configure the VPN Server
-
Enter the server name:
nomad.sandiego.edu -
Tap Download.
6. Authenticate with USDOne Credentials
-
Enter your USDOne username (do not include "@sandiego.edu") and password.
-
Tap Proceed.
7. Confirm Profile Installation
-
Once the profile is successfully downloaded, you will see the New University of San Diego logo on the “Click to Connect” button, with nomad.sandiego.edu displayed below it.
-
Tap Click to Connect to begin the initial login process.
8. Accept Permissions request
-
You might be prompted to allow access to Photos and Media. If so, Tap Allow.
-
Note: If you choose ‘Don’t Allow’ it will not affect the installation
9. Allow VPN Configuration
-
After accepting the Permissions request, you will be asked to allow the VPN configuration to be added in your settings. Tap OK.
10. Complete Two-Factor Authentication
-
You will receive a Duo prompt on your phone. Approve the prompt to complete the connection process.
11. Confirm Successful Connection
-
Once connected, you will see a green ring around the connection button, indicating a successful VPN connection.
Installing Aruba VIA Applications
If you are a staff or faculty member, please follow the steps below to install and configure USD's VPN client. Students can get VPN access by having a staff or faculty sponsor submit the VPN Form for Students and Non-Employees.
Please see the instructions that correspond with your device's operating system. If you experience any issues, or need any further assistance getting connected, please contact the Help Desk.
- Download the application:
- On a personal computer:
- Click here to download Aruba VIA from the App Store, or open the App Store and search "Aruba VIA"
- Click "Get" to download the app. Note: you may be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password.
- Once the download is complete, click "Open" to run the application
- On a USD-owned computer:
- Open Mac@USD by clicking the spotlight in the upper right-hand corner and searching "Mac@USD"
- Search in the upper left-hand corner for "VIA"
- Click Install
- On a personal computer:
- Upon finishing installation a new window will pop up. Click on the "Click to download VPN profile" button.
- Once you click on the button you will be asked to provide the VPN server URL (nomad.sandiego.edu) and your USDOne username and password. Then click download.
- You should now have a button that has the University of San Diego logo on it and your username up top.
- Click the center button
- You should receive a push notification within the Duo Mobile app on your smart phone.
- Once you receive that notification, select it and press the green check mark.
- Shortly after, the button in the Aruba VIA client will turn green to indicate that you are connected.
- You will also notice a new icon at the top of your computer which is the VIA client where you will be able to one-click connect / disconnect your VIA client. When the icon is green it means you are connected and when it’s white you are disconnected.
- Download the Aruba VIA client application from the following links depending on your OS version. To find your OS version, go to Start, enter About your PC, and then select About your PC. Look under PC for Edition to find out which version and edition of Windows that your PC is running. Look under PC for System type to see if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.
- Navigate to your Download folder and double-click the VIA installer.
- Click next to continue.
- Accept and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Click next to continue.
- Click install to begin installation.
- If a pop-up asking to Install App to Desktop appears, click yes.
- Click finish to launch VIA.
- Click on the button to download the USD VPN profile.
- Enter nomad.sandiego.edu as the VPN Server URL. Enter your USDone username and password. Then click download.
- A USD logo will appear in the button once the profile is downloaded. Click the button to start your VPN connection.
- You should now be getting a push notification within the Duo Mobile app on your smart phone.
- Once you receive that notification, select it and press the green check mark.
- Shortly after, the button in the Aruba VIA client will turn green to indicate that you are connected.
- Before Starting the installation, please run the following commands from terminal to ensure all required libraries are up to date:
- Sudo apt-get install gksu
- Sudo apt-get install gdebi
- Sudo apt-get update
- Click on the link below to download the Ubuntu Aruba VIA application.
- Navigate to your Downloads folder and right click on the VIAUbuntu bin file and click on properties.
- Click on the Permissions tab.
- Under the Permissions tab, ensure the Execute “Allow executing file as program” box is checked. Click closed. Then, double click on the VIAUbuntu bin file, it will now run as an executable.
- Click next.
- Check the box to agree to the terms of the License. Click next, you will be prompted to type in your computer’s password.
- Click finish for the next prompt.
- VIA will ask for your computer’s password to make changes to your virtual interface.
- Click on the button to download the USD VPN profile. Then, enter nomad.sandiego.edu as the VPN Server URL, and your USDone username and password. Click download.
- The USD logo will appear inside the button after the profile is downloaded. Click the button to start.
- You should now be getting a push notification within the Duo Mobile app on your smart phone.
- Once you receive that notification, select it and press green check mark.
- Shortly after, the button in the Aruba VIA client will turn green to indicate that you are connected.
Troubleshooting
When you start installation if you get prompted with required package “gksu” not available run the fallowing command from terminal.
- sudo apt-get install gksu
When you start installation if you get prompted with required package “gdebi” not available run the fallowing command from terminal.
- sudo apt-get install gdebi
VPN iPad VIA Installation
1. Download and Install the Application
-
Open the App Store on your iPad.
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Search for HPE Virtual Intranet Access or click here to download.
-
Install the application.
2. Open the Application
-
Once the installation is complete, tap Open or locate the HPE Virtual Intranet Access app on your home screen and tap to launch it.
3. Download the VPN Profile
-
On the main screen of the app, tap the button labeled Tap to Download VPN Profile.
4. Configure the VPN Server
-
Enter the server name:
nomad.sandiego.edu -
Tap Download.
5. Authenticate with USDOne Credentials
-
Enter your USDOne username (do not include "@sandiego.edu") and password.
-
Tap Download.
6. Confirm Profile Installation
-
Once the profile is successfully downloaded, you will see the University of San Diego logo on the “Tap to Connect” button, with nomad.sandiego.edu displayed below it.
-
Tap Tap to Connect to begin the initial login process.
7. Accept Data Usage Policy
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You will be prompted to accept the Data Usage Policy. Tap Accept.
8. Allow VPN Configuration
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After accepting the policy, you will be asked to allow the VPN configuration to be added in your settings. Tap Allow.
9. Enter Your iPad Passcode
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The Settings app will open, prompting you to enter your iPad’s passcode. Enter your passcode to proceed.
10. Complete Two-Factor Authentication
-
You will receive a Duo prompt on your phone. Approve the prompt to complete the connection process.
11. Confirm Successful Connection
-
Once connected, you will see a green ring around the connection button, indicating a successful VPN connection.
VPN iPhone VIA Installation
1. Download and Install the Application
-
Open the App Store on your iPad.
-
Search for HPE Virtual Intranet Access or click here to download.
-
Install the application.
2. Open the Application
-
Once the installation is complete, tap Open or locate the HPE Virtual Intranet Access app on your home screen and tap to launch it.
3. Download the VPN Profile
-
On the main screen of the app, tap the button labeled Click to Download VPN Profile.
4. Configure the VPN Server
-
Enter the server name:
nomad.sandiego.edu -
Tap Download.
5. Authenticate with USDOne Credentials
-
Enter your USDOne username (do not include "@sandiego.edu") and password.
-
Tap Download.
6. Confirm Profile Installation
-
Once the profile is successfully downloaded, you will see the University of San Diego logo on the “Tap to Connect” button, with nomad.sandiego.edu displayed below it.
-
Tap Tap to Connect to begin the initial login process.
7. Allow VPN Configuration
-
After accepting the policy, you will be asked to allow the VPN configuration to be added in your settings. Tap Accept.
8. Enter Your iPad Passcode
-
The Settings app will open, prompting you to enter your iPad’s passcode. Enter your passcode to proceed.
9. Complete Two-Factor Authentication
-
You will receive a Duo prompt on your phone. Approve the prompt to complete the connection process.
10. Confirm Successful Connection
-
Once connected, you will see a green ring around the connection button, indicating a successful VPN connection.
VPN Android Tablet VIA Installation
1. Download and Install the Application
-
Open the Play Store on your Android Tablet.
-
Search for HPE Virtual Intranet Access or click here to download.
-
Install the application.
2. Open the Application
-
Once the installation is complete, tap Open or locate the HPE Virtual Intranet Access app in your App Drawer and tap to launch it.
3. Download the VPN Profile
-
On the main screen of the app, tap the button labeled Click to Download VPN Profile.
4. Configure the VPN Server
-
Enter the server name:
nomad.sandiego.edu -
Tap Download.
5. Authenticate with USDOne Credentials
-
Enter your USDOne username (do not include "@sandiego.edu") and password.
-
Tap Proceed.
6. Confirm Profile Installation
-
Once the profile is successfully downloaded, you will see the University of San Diego logo on the “Tap to Connect” button, with nomad.sandiego.edu displayed below it.
-
Tap Click to Connect to begin the initial login process.
7. Accept Permissions Request
-
You might be prompted to allow access to Photos and Media. If so,Tap Allow.
-
Note: If you choose ‘Don’t Allow’ it will not affect the installation
8. Allow VPN Configuration
-
After accepting the Permissions request, you will be asked to allow the VPN configuration to be added in your settings. Tap OK.
9. Complete Two-Factor Authentication
-
You will receive a Duo prompt on your phone. Approve the prompt to complete the connection process.
10. Confirm Successful Connection
-
Once connected, you will see a green ring around the connection button, indicating a successful VPN connection.
VPN Android Phone VIA Installation
1. Download and Install the Application
-
Open the Play Store on your Android Phone.
-
Search for HPE Virtual Intranet Access or click here to download.
-
Install the application.
2. Open the Application
-
Once the installation is complete, tap Open or locate the HPE Virtual Intranet Access app in your App Drawer and tap to launch it.
3. Download the VPN Profile
-
On the main screen of the app, tap the button labeled Click to Download VPN Profile.
4. Configure the VPN Server
-
Enter the server name:
nomad.sandiego.edu -
Tap Download.
5. Authenticate with USDOne Credentials
-
Enter your USDOne username (do not include "@sandiego.edu") and password.
-
Tap Proceed.
6. Confirm Profile Installation
-
Once the profile is successfully downloaded, you will see the University of San Diego logo on the “Click to Connect” button, with nomad.sandiego.edu displayed below it.
-
Tap Tap to Connect to begin the initial login process.
7. Accept Permissions Request
-
You might be prompted to allow access to Photos and Media. If so, Tap Allow.
-
Note: If you choose ‘Don’t Allow’ it will not affect the installation
8. Allow VPN Configuration
-
After accepting the Permissions request, you will be asked to allow the VPN configuration to be added in your settings. Tap OK.
9. Complete Two-Factor Authentication
-
You will receive a Duo prompt on your phone. Approve the prompt to complete the connection process.
10. Confirm Successful Connection
-
Once connected, you will see a green ring around the connection button, indicating a successful VPN connection.
Restrictions in China
The Chinese government exercises total control over Internet connections into and out of China. The way it is achieved is through blocking specific websites, keyword filtering and monitoring the activity of Internet users. As a result access to Google's Gmail (Torero Mail), Social Media websites, and USD applications, systems, and software are either completely banned or severely limited by Chinese government.
Chinese citizens found using non-Chinese approved VPN application can be fined and/or jailed.
USD's Information Technology Services cannot guarantee your privacy nor control or bypass restrictions implemented by the Chinese government. We strongly recommends leaving your USD or personal laptop(s) and other mobile devices at home (USA) if you travel to China. Purchase a throw-away international mobile phone for use in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
Static IPs will not be granted for desktop computers, laptops or certain handheld devices. Typically, a static IP is not necessary and are reserved for network servers, printers, applications, and appliances. The dynamically assigned IP addresses do not change unless your network device has been disconnected from the network or turned off for several weeks. You can use the "ipconfig" command on your computer to view and confirm your IP address. Static IP for wireless networks are also not granted. If you still believe you need a static IP address please contact the Help Desk.
Requests for DNS names are made through the Help Desk. DNS requests received by end of business Monday and Wednesday will be processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Requests for a DNS name can be made in advance of installation, as it should be part of the system documentation. If you are aware of the provisioning of an upcoming application, server, printer, etc., make your request at the same time you place your order.
All name requests will be reviewed by the network team and/or management.
Emergency requests for DNS entries will be handled as best effort. Please remember that local/intranet updates for DNS happen almost immediately however, on the Internet a new DNS entry will take approximately 24 hours or longer to propagate for off-campus users. Please plan accordingly.
The short answer is no. Like static IPs, it’s very rare that a computer, laptop or certain handheld device actually needs a DNS name. DNS names or entries are used only for servers, printers, appliances, and applications. Running server software or applications on desktop computers is a bad idea and can lead to security breaches and loss of personal data. A non-standard or unapproved software or applications can also become an unsupportable production environment meaning neither the client who installed or the ITS department can support their existing environment.
Our goal is to provide USD with reliable networking every day. Doing so means periodic maintenance. We try and schedule outages when as few people as possible are affected. Currently, we schedule routine wired and wireless maintenance every Thursday morning 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., but there are times when critical updates or repairs will need to be done outside the maintenance window.
- USDGuest - for users who do not have a MySanDiego username and password.
- Eduroam - for users who have an active USD email account.
Streaming devices (i.e. Amazon Echoes, Rokus, Smart TVs, Apple TVs, etc.) and gaming devices (i.e. PlayStations, Xboxes, Nintendo Switches, etc.) must be registered using their MAC address to connect to the Internet.