Networks

Not connected while off campus?
Register for QUconnect Now.
Access Number: +974 4485 7900

QUconnect provides dial-up access to the Qatar University network from an offsite computer. Dial-up service can be used if your needs are minimal, and you don’t need access to applications that require high bandwidth. QUconnect will allow you to do things like check email, run telnet sessions, remote-control session, and access most simple web sites. The service provides Telnet and PPP (the latter being the usual choice). These services will operate at any modem speed up to 56kbs with suitable analogue modems. QU Connect functions with the help of ninety 56kbs modems, all housed and supported by ITS, thereby providing for the highest levels of availability for its users.

The University makes no charge for using these services but you might have to pay any telephone call charges depending on what service you are using to make the call.

QUnet is the Qatar University corporate network maintained entirely by Information Technology Services. Supported by a stellar staff of network engineers, a multi-gigabit backbone and ultra high-speed internet access, QUnet provides thousands of laptops, desktops and computer labs across campus with interconnectivity and network services.

The QUnet infrastructure is currently made up of the following components:

• 10Gbps x 4 = 40Gbps Accumulated Backbone
• 1Gbps Uplink to Access Switches
• 10/100 Mbps to User Desktop
• 14 Backbone Switches
• 170 Access/Edge Switches
• 907 km of Copper cable
• 27.7 km of Optic Fiber cable

Network Installation & Troubleshooting

IT Services has on-site network installation and repair staff certified and experienced in both copper and fiber installation and termination.

However, it is often unclear whether the problem being encountered is a problem with the users' machine or the network jack. And usually “network problems” are the result of a client not understanding how to use an application. We strongly recommend that you let the ITS Helpdesk take a look at your problem before arriving at the conclusion that the network is to blame for your worries.

If your department is in need of network installation or troubleshooting services, you can request them by contacting the office of the Director, IT Services.

 

QUsmartzones are the wireless network at Qatar University. QUsmartzones allow students, faculty, and staff to connect to the internet across campus wirelessly.

Information Technology Services has successfully deployed the largest wireless network on any campus in Qatar in terms of coverage area and the number of access points.

At present wireless access to the Internet is available in all of the buildings at Qatar University. The wireless network is made up of 900 wireless access points spread across the following locations:

Men's Activities Building	Women's Activities Building	New Engineering Building
Women's Library & Exhibition Hall	Information Technology Services	Administration Building
Women's Admissions & Registration	Old Administration Building	Business & Economics College
ESC Building	Islamic Research Center	Information Technology Services
Men's Foundation / Research Building	Medical Clinic	Male/Female Hostels
Men's College	Al-Bidaa Building & Preschool	Science College
Engineering College	Engineering Workshop	Women's College
Food Court	Women's Gymnasium	Tennis Courts
Women's Ideal Home	University Stadium	Swimming Pool
Solar Energy Lab	Islamic Research Center	Women's Waiting Room / Parking Area

IT Services is currently working to provide Qatar University employees the ability to access their campus network from anywhere in the world via QUanywhere, our upcoming Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. QUanywhere will permit a computer which is not located on the campus network to become virtually connected to the campus network for a session of work.

The VPN client establishes a secure encrypted tunnel between the computer and the VPN server on the campus network; once established, this means that the computer is effectively virtually connected to the campus network, and is hence able to access most services ordinarily not available from the offsite. Although communications are conducted over the public Internet via the Internet connection provider, data passing over the tunnel is encrypted and hence secure from interception.

Procedures and requirements to use this service will be available once officially launched by ITS.

The Domain Name System (DNS) is an integral part of the TCP/IP network services. It provides services to convert domain names (e.g., www.qu.edu.qa) into the corresponding IP addresses which are required by applications running on hosts to connect to services running on other systems. It also provides other information for operational purposes.

IT Services operates one query-resolution server which is used for domain name resolution: ns1.qu.edu.qa

This name server averages approximately 300 queries per second during peak hours.

IT Services provides a number of DNS-related services:

Domain name resolution service

Used by University network hosts, allowing them to resolve arbitrary domain names to IP addresses;

Management of DNS servers

Information Technology Services manages the servers that provide information for the main University domain qu.edu.qa and other University-associated domains to both the University itself and to the rest of the Internet;

Other domain hosting

Various departments or other bodies within the University own specific domains, for courses, projects, and other purposes. In some cases, ITS can host and manage these on their behalf.

Registrations within University-owned domains

Information Technology Services manages the registration of computers within the University network, including allocating IP addresses and their corresponding domain names. ITS can also provide other DNS entries for hosts that are providing a service.

Domain advice

We can provide advice on various DNS-related matters, including registration of domains, domain hosting, and assisting with transfers of domains to University servers.

QU Guest Wireless allows campus guests quick and easy access to the Internet. Guests simply choose QU Guest Wireless SSID, open a web browser, agree to Terms and Conditions of Use, and are immediately able to browse the Internet.

Guest wireless is a free service intended for use by visitors requiring short-term access to the wireless network to perform general Internet activities. It is an unsecured connection and should not be used to send or receive sensitive information.

Members of the Qatar University community who hold a QUID should not use guest wireless.
At present wireless access to the Internet is available in all of the buildings at Qatar University. The wireless network is made up of 900 wireless access points spread across the entire campus.

Guest Wireless Benefits and Features

• 24-hour renewable access window
• 10 Mbps upload/download bandwidth per registered device
• Widely available across the Qatar University campus
• Grants general Web browsing and e-mail access

Guest Wireless Registration

When a guest arrives on campus and attempts to access the Internet using a computer or other mobile device, they should choose "Guest - Qatar University" in the list of networks presented. During registration, guests are required to accept the University's acceptable use policy and provide their contact information.

The network supports MS Windows, Mac OS X, iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod touch), and Android devices among others.

Duration

Access is granted for a 24-hour period that begins at the time of registration. Guests may re-register after each 24-hour period.

Visitors who plan to be at the University for an extended period, or who require access to University resources not available on the "Guest - Qatar University" wireless should contact the ITS Helpdesk at helpdesk@qu.edu.qa.