Every room in every UO residence hall has an ethernet connection (ResNet). You don't need a modem to use it, but you will need an ethernet card. If you are a UO student living in the Residence Halls, University Housing can not only sell you an ethernet card for your computer, but install it and set it up free of charge. For more information about ResNet and details about purchasing an ethernet card, see http://www.housing.uoregon.edu/resnet/