Date of last update: January 23, 2002

Wireless Access Point Policy

As a general goal, Union University's Computing Services desires to provide technical systems that are reliable, secure, and responsive. This applies to mature systems as well as those just emerging. With the trend at most universities to supplement the wired campus network with wireless service, it is important for Union to work toward such a goal, to provide increased communication opportunities between students, faculty, and staff, and to remain competitive in the recruitment of each of those groups.

Wireless networking has been in existence for a few years, but is still a relatively new technology. The design of wireless networks, specifically the placement of wireless access points to maximize coverage area and to minimize interference with other access points or devices, is for now as much an art as it is a science. Security of an enterprise-wide network is always a major concern and requires new methods and policies when wireless networking is added to the mix. The growing availability of inexpensive, consumer-oriented technology makes this situation particularly challenging, as anyone can now go to a local electronics or discount store and buy wireless network equipment, plug it in, and be using wireless networking very quickly. The problem is that most people are not aware of the issues addressed above nor are they likely to be knowledgeable in the strategies and techniques to provide wireless network security.

Because of these issues, it is critical for Union University to have a policy that addresses the use of wireless networking, including aspects of security, compatibility, and radio-wave interference. The policy defined below will serve as an initial statement covering specific current issues. It will be expanded and generalized when wireless networking is prioritized and funded as a significant project. Because of changes in technology and policy, it may be necessary in the future to disable wireless access points authorized in this initial document.

In addition to usage outlined in this policy about wireless networking, we expect responsible use as specified in other policies such as www.uu.edu/computing/aup.htm

Wireless Access Point Policy - effective January 23, 2003

• No wireless access points are allowed on the Union University network except as specifically approved in advance by Computing Services.
• Only Union University employees may request that additional access points be approved; requests must be submitted to John David Barham, Director of Computing Services. Contact him at x5329 for the official request form.
• Until wireless networking is an approved project funded by the university, the consideration of additional access points will not be given high priority; because of the low priority of wireless networking, it is strongly recommended that no equipment be purchased in advance of approval, as there should be no assumption that the request will necessarily be approved.
• Any approved access points will be connected to the student network only.
• Networking Services will configure all wireless equipment and software. Networking Services will perform this work in Computing Services' office/work space. After the wireless equipment is installed at the requested location, no configuration changes may be made without approval of Networking Services.
• Any unapproved access point discovered in operation, whether connected to the campus network or not, is subject to being disabled and removed immediately and indefinitely.
• Previously approved access points may be disapproved, disabled, reconfigured, or moved by Networking Services as needed to ensure future reliability, security, responsiveness, and coverage of the university wireless network.

A complete list of approved access points is maintained by John David Barham, Director of Computing Services.

Comments and suggestions concerning this site should be forwarded to:

jdbarham@uu.edu