Mantain link on ethernet even while off?

[MrStaticVoid]

On my college LAN I have to log in each time I establish a new link which means everytime I restart my computer. On my roommates desktop machine his ethernet port keeps the link with the server even when it is off (as long as the power supply isn't switched off) so he does not have to log in each time he restarts. I was wondering if there was some way I could set that up on my T41p or does the ethernet controller not offer that ability?

Thanks!

[bevross]

Only way I know to do this is to install a router. Is there a router already installed in your dorm room? Is your roommate using one? How does your signal come in -- through a DSL modem? Do you each have separate DSL lines or do you share, or what? Usually modems & routers have "keep alive" options. You log into the modem or router and change the settings there. It has nothing to do with your computer's ethernet port. For instance, to get to my router's menu I type this address into Internet Explorer: http://192.168.1.1/ I suggest you'd have best luck talking with your school's computer help desk for all this. Or, ask your roommate!

[MrStaticVoid]

Heh, my roommate is an idiot.

Good idea with the router though! Didn't think about that.

Thanks.

[rhobite]

If your Thinkpad has AC power it should maintain the Ethernet link when it's off. You may have to enable wake-on-LAN in the BIOS.