For full network access, every device using dynamic IP addressing must be registered.
Your MSU NetID and password are needed to register your device.
This is a list of common questions asked about the registration process. Please check if your questions are answered here before contacting a consultant.
- Why do I need to use DHCP?
- Why do I need to register my device with dhcp.msu.edu?
- Why am I unable to register my machine?
- I have already registered, why am I still directed to this page?
- I have already registered, why do I have to register again?
- How often do I need to register?
- What is my MSU NetID?
- Why do I need my MSU NetID?
- My access has been suspended, what do I do?
- Why do I need to use DHCP?
DHCP is used to assign IP addresses to devices directly attached to the MSU campus device network via an Ethernet network connection. It is also known as dynamic addressing; under Windows it is referred to as: Obtain an IP address automatically under the TCP/IP Properties of the Network control panel.
The use of dynamic addressing (DHCP) is required if you are connected to the Ethernet network in a residence hall room, a campus classroom, or other public areas such as the library public access ports. The use of dynamic addressing is available and optional in most faculty/staff offices.
- Why do I need to register my device with dhcp.msu.edu?
Registering your device gives you full network access at Michigan State University. Without registering, your network access is restricted.
- Why am I unable to register my machine?
The most common cause is not using dynamic addressing (DHCP). Please verify that your machine is using DHCP and try again.
The most common reasons that you would not be using dynamic addressing are:
- Your Ethernet network card is not active
- You are using a dial-up modem
- You are not yet present on the MSU campus and attached to the Ethernet network
- Your device is using static IP addressing.
If none of the above seem to apply, and it still does not work, check one of the following resources:
Or contact MSU IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200 or ithelp@msu.edu.
You may also use the contact form if you have not yet registered your device.
- I have already registered, why am I still directed to this page?
The most common reasons include:
- Improperly following the instructions for releasing and renewing your IP address after registering. You need to wait approximately two minutes after you submit your registration, and then release and renew your device's IP address (see instructions here).
- Your network access may be suspended. Login to the DHCP server; if your access has been suspended, the reason for the suspension will be displayed immediately after login.
- Using a different network adapter or alternate network setup for your device. See the following paragraph for further details.
- I have already registered, why do I have to register again?
This can happen under some circumstances. Your registration is based on a unique, 12-digit (hexadeceimal) Ethernet (MAC) address assigned to your network interface card by your device or network card vendor.
Common reasons for needing to register again include:
- Using both a wired Ethernet and a wireless adapter in the same device.
- Connecting your device to a cable/DSL router or wireless router. In this instance, you will actually be registering the router "by proxy" through the use of your device's web browser.
You are permitted to have multiple registrations, either for a single device or for more than one device or related computing device.
See the following paragraph as well.
- How often do I need to register?
You normally will need to register each device only once. You would have to re-register if you:
- Replace the ethernet card in your device,
- Use a wireless adapter in addition to wired ethernet from the same device,
- Do not use your device via DHCP for 90 days,
- Delete your device from the registry.
- What is my MSU NetID?
Your MSU NetID is the same as your mail.msu.edu login name. You will use the same password as your e-mail account. Your MSU NetID can be activated at MSU NetID. (Note: this link will not function if your device is not yet registered).
- Why do I need my MSU NetID?
The MSU NetID is used to identify you as a member of the MSU community, and to associate the device with a given individual. This provides a method to identify and contact users of the campus network.
- My access has been suspended, what do I do?
Your MSU network access can be suspended for a variety of reasons. Common reasons include copyright violation complaint, excessive network traffic (e.g. from a worm or virus), or excessive ("spam") mail from or through your device system.
You must contact MSU IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200 in order to have your access reinstated.
Please Note: If your access was suspended due to a virus, please go to: MSU Endpoint Security for further instructions.