IS-P-017 - Saint Vincent College

		Doc	IS-P-017
		Date	05-24-2004
Title	Wireless communication devices
Owner	Chief Information Officer
Dept	Information Services

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide a highly reliable, secure and reasonably performing wireless network service. Summary All wireless access points (WAPs) that are to be operated on the Saint Vincent campus must be registered with and approved by Information Services prior to use. Details With the ratification of the 802.11 standard for wireless networking in 1999 and the subsequent proliferation of interoperable, affordable products that support that standard, wireless network technology has established itself as an important complement to the traditional wired data networks. Mobile access to information improves our ability to communicate. Faculty, staff and students will have the ability to check email or their schedules from an increasing number of places around campus. Access to the Internet will no longer be tied to a computer in an office, lab or classroom. Wireless network technology is also beneficial for gaining network access in locations that are difficult, expensive, or inconvenient to wire. Examples include large lecture halls, outdoor areas, conference rooms, etc. Wireless networks have their limitations. For example, they are slower than wired networks. Wireless networks are also inherently insecure. Tools are readily available to capture someone else's communications, including passwords and other sensitive data. Wireless network users must take extra precautions and adhere to standards to ensure secure communications over a wireless network. While the standard does allow a wireless network card from one vendor to connect to an access point from another vendor, the devices must all be carefully configured for this support. Every product also has proprietary features that don't interoperate. This is especially true when it comes to security and management. Consequently, wireless network standards and central management of the campus "air space" are necessary to protect valuable information resources and to ensure the highest degree of interoperability as one moves from one location to another on campus with a mobile device. Information Services (IS) is responsible for the planning, design, operation, maintenance and management of the wireless network. No other wireless networks will be permitted to exist where the campus wireless network is available without prior approval from IS. IS will manage the radio frequency spectrums specified in the IEEE 802.11 standard. Other devices operating in same radio frequency spectrums can cause interference with the wireless network. These devices include, but are not limited to, other wireless networking devices, portable cordless (non-cell) telephones, cameras, keyboards, mice, audio speakers, ad-hoc (peer-to-peer) networks and computers or other devices equipped with a wireless network adapter and software to act as an access point. Where conflicts exist, IS will work with the campus community to determine whether the device may still be accommodated without causing interference with the wireless network. Prior to connecting the WAP to the Saint Vincent Network, you must take it to the Help Desk to have it registered and properly configured. You will receive a WAP authorization form that should be saved for future reference. Wireless access points (WAPs) should be configured as follows: 1. You must be absolutely certain that the WAP is connected to the collegeís data network via the Uplink port. If this does not appear to work, you may need a different cable. Do not use a different port! 2. DHCP should be disabled. 3. Information Services must know the administrative password for the WAP.

Revision Register
05-24-2004 - Original issue.