Information Technology > Policies > Wireless Policy

Wireless Policy

As a general goal, Union University's Information Technology 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 several years, but is still a developing 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/it/policies/aup.cfm

Wireless Access Point Policy

• No wireless access points are allowed on the Union University network except as specifically approved in advance by Information Technology.
• Only Union University employees may request that additional access points be approved; requests must be submitted to Jim Avery, Associate Vice President for Information Technology. Contact him at x5326 for the official request form.
• 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.
• Infrastructure Support Services will configure all wireless equipment and software. Infrastructure Support Services will perform this work in IT office/work space. After the wireless equipment is installed at the requested location, no configuration changes may be made without approval of Infrastructure Support 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 Infrastructure Support Services as needed to ensure future reliability, security, responsiveness, and coverage of the university wireless network.

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