Free Afterhours Internet

The University of Adelaide, in partnership with our internet supplier AARNet, is trialing FREE afterhours Internet.

Between 8pm and 8am, 7 days a week, all Internet usage will not be deducted from Internet quota.

This trial will finish at the end of 2009. In 2010 this service may be continued or enhanced based on the results of the trial.

Please note that all University Internet and computer usage should comply with the Universities IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy.

Go to the following site for more information on Staff and Student Internet

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is Internet access charged?

A: There are two types of Internet traffic, ON Net and OFF Net. Only OFF Net is charged for. There are also two times of the day, OFF Peak and ON Peak. Only ON Peak is charged for. So, in summary, only OFF Net Internet use during ON Peak is charged for.

Q: What is the difference between ON Net and OFF Net?

A: Apart from the fact that ON Net is not charged for, ON Net Internet is mainly educational and research web sites. It also includes important online services such as the Google network. OFF net makes up the remaining sites on the Internet.

Q: How can I tell if an Internet site is ON Net or OFF Net?

A: The University's Internet Service Provider, AARNet, have an online tool AARNet3 Network Address Query. This tool will show which network the site is available on:

• ON Net = domestic on-net, domestic peering and international on-net
• OFF Net = domestic off-net and international off-net

Q: What is the difference between "ON Peak" and "OFF Peak"?

A: OFF Peak is between 8pm and 8am, 7 days per week. ON Peak is between 8am and 8pm, 7 days per week.

Q: If I download a file between 7pm and 9pm, is it charged or not?

A: If the download is OFF Net, what you download between 7pm and 8pm will be charged but what you download between 8pm and 9pm will not be charged.

Q: If I download a video from YouTube at 4pm, what am I charged?

A: By visiting the checking tool at AARNet3 Network Address Query you will see that www.youtube.com is ON Net. ON Net traffic is not charged at all so the download is not charged.

Q: Why is the charging model so complicated?

A: It is important for the charging model for Internet users to closely reflect the cost model so that users are not unecessarily charged for Internet use. Whenever possible, the University will pass on any cost savings to the University's Internet users - this makes for a transparent and fair system which, unfortunately, has some complexity.

Q: Are downloads included?

A: YES, Downloads are considered to be Internet use.

Q: If I access University websites from home does this come off my student quota?

A: NO, As you are not on the University campus and accessing the pages from home, you would be using your home Internet provider (Bigpond, Internode, Adam, etc).