Using an Outside Internet Service Provider (ISP) to Connect to the UW Network

ISPs provide connections to the Internet through dial-in access (ie. AOL and MSN), DSL connection (i.e. U.S.West), and cable modem service. You can use an ISP other than the UW to access almost every resource on the UW network.

Special Handling

You will want to start by installing the connectivity solution (may involve extra hardware as well as software) provided by your ISP. Then, you will need to use some settings that are different from people using the UW-provided (dial-in or on campus) connection.

Desktop Email

You can find step-by-step instructions for configuring your desktop email program for use with UW Email under Decide how you want to access UW Email.

Exception: SMTP server

What is SMTP?

The one field that is different in your desktop email configuration is the name used for "SMTP server." You need to contact your ISP for the name of its SMTP (outgoing mail) server.

You may run into a problem when your SMTP (outgoing mail) server is set to the UW server but you are NOT connected via a UW-provided connection. Read the FAQ covering this problem. It describes why this is happening and how to work around it.

You also may run into a problem when your SMTP (outgoing mail) server is set to your ISP's server but your email address is set to your UW address. Some ISPs do not permit this configuration. If you experience this problem, contact your ISP for assistance.

"UW restricted" Sites

You may run into some "UW restricted" sites when accessing the UW network from an outside ISP. You will see a message similar to:

The IP address associated with the computer you are using is not authorized for access. This service may not be available to you from your current location or computer. Please contact your institution's administrator for more information. (210)

Certain Web sites are restricted to computers connecting directly from the UW network, so you may have to connect using your UW account to reach them.

UW Libraries has developed a way for members of the the university community to access its "restricted" catalog database from a non-UW ISP. Use the Libraries Information Gateway for directions on how to do this, and be sure and have your Husky Card^TM handy.

If you need help connecting to other restricted Web sites, contact the group or department that administers the Web site to determine whether alternative methods of authentication are available for that service.

If you need help or have questions about the information on this page, use Send a question to UW Technology to contact UW Technology.