How do I exempt my computer from the Residential Network firewall?
- Toren Smith
- William Schneider
By default, connections on the UMBC Residential Network (ResNet) are protected by a firewall, which restricts some kinds of communication in order to enhance security.
Web browsing and other software will generally work fine behind the firewall, but if you encounter something that doesn't work, you can opt to exempt your device from the firewall.
To do so, you will need the device ID (also known as an ethernet address or MAC address) of your device. This address consists of 12 alphanumeric characters, of the form 11:22:33:aa:bb:cc. It may be printed on a sticker on your device, or displayed within network settings or system information. If you're not sure how to find yours, a quick internet search should turn up instructions.
Note
Once you have registered your device to be exempted from the ResNet firewall, you do not need to register it via https://register.resnet.umbc.edu. Doing so will remove the firewall exemption.
Steps:
While connected to the UMBC network (Visitor wireless is fine), visit https://nofirewall.resnet.umbc.edu . Enter your UMBC username and password to log in:
The first time you sign in, you must agree to an acceptable use policy. Afterwards, you will be presented with a list of device IDs that you have registered to exclude from the firewall. Click "Add" to enter yours.
On the page that appears, you will need to enter the device ID, along with a name (and optional description):
Click Submit, and the device will be registered. If the device is currently connected to ResNet, you will need to disconnect and reconnect for the change to take effect. You will receive a different IP address when your device is exempted.
If you no longer need or want for your device to be excluded from the firewall, simply sign back into the https://nofirewall.resnet.umbc.edu web page, select your device from the list, and click Delete.