About NAC

Network Access Control (NAC) provides authentication and validation of users connecting to the campus network. NAC helps to protect against the spread of viruses and worms on campus.

Currently, the campus wireless network, ResNet, connections in classrooms at MacKinnon and meeting rooms at University Centre and Albert A. Thornbrough are protected with NAC.

Used in conjunction with NAC is a desktop application called NAC Agent, which ensures that all those logging in to the network have sufficient virus protection and system updates installed.

After you log into your machine, the NAC Agent checks for vulnerabilities to make sure it meets the necessary security requirements for connecting to the campus network. Only compliant computers are granted full network access.

Minimum Requirements

The following minimum requirements are required for full access the campus network:

Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000

  • NAC Agent
    • NAC Agent can be downloaded to your computer when you open a web browser and connect to the campus network.
  • all Windows critical updates
  • McAfee anti-virus software or other compatible anti-virus application
    • McAfee anti-virus software is provided to all University of Guelph students, faculty and staff at no charge and is the only CCS supported anti-virus software
    • Please be aware there is known bug that current NAC Agent cannot login on Windows 64 Bit machines with AVG installed. 
  • up-to-date anti-virus definition 

For further information, check out the NAC Agent OS/AV support matrix tested by CCS.

Macintosh, Linux and Unix

  • an SSL compatible web browser for web logins

If your computer meets the minimum requirements, you will be granted full network access. If not, you will be granted temporary network access in order for remediation to occur. Temporary network access allows you to download critical updates for your O/S and anti-virus software.You will not be granted full network access until remediation is complete.

Continue Getting Started with NAC.