Wireless Network Use Policy

Date of Original Implementation: October 2011

Date of Last Revision: October 2011

Purpose

Cambridge College provides wireless networking services in public spaces on each campus to enable the convenience of mobile network connectivity. This service allows members of the College community to access the campus wide network from wireless devices or portable computers where coverage is available. The radio frequency airspace of the College serves as the transport medium for this technology. Some wireless devices do not conform to frequency standards and can cause interference to wireless service which may prevent College users from obtaining or maintaining network connectivity.

The purpose of this policy and related procedures is to define responsibilities for the management and use of the wireless network and associated radio frequency airspace to provide a reliable wireless network to the College community, to manage other uses of the wireless spectrum and to insure security across the Cambridge College network.

Scope

The Department of Information Technology (IT) will regulate and manage all wireless access points and the radio frequency bands used by wireless technology to ensure fair and efficient allocation and to minimize collision, interference, unauthorized intrusion and failure of the wireless network.

DEFINITIONS

Access Point (AP)

A hardware device that acts as a communication hub for users of a wireless device to connect to a wired network. APs are important for providing heightened wireless security and for extending the physical range of service to which a wireless user has access.

Wireless device

The end user system or device that accesses the wireless network for data communications purposes. This is normally a portable computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) containing an appropriate wireless network interface card (NIC)

PROCEDURES

Security

Users should assume that data transmitted over the wireless network is NOT secure.

Access Points

Only access points provided and installed by the IT Department or approved for installation by IT are permitted on the College network. IT reserves the right to disconnect and remove any access point not installed and configured by IT personnel or specifically covered by prior written agreement and/or arrangement with IT. In cases where the device is being used for specific academic or research applications IT will work with faculty to determine how the wireless devices may be used while maintaining required security and without causing interference. Any person found responsible for the installation of unauthorized access points may be submitted to the appropriate college authority for disciplinary action.
All access points shall be installed and configured in such a way as to comply with all security features of the wireless network, including restrictions to provide connections only to those users who are authorized to access the Cambridge College network.

Other Wireless Devices

Unapproved wireless devices, such as portable phones and other devices with two-way radios may interfere with the operation of the College wireless network. If the IT department receives a report of interference and determines that a non-approved wireless device is causing interference the College will ask the owner of the device to discontinue its use.

Authorized Use

Only users affiliated with Cambridge College are authorized to use wireless networking on campus. IT may implement or alter data encryption and authentication security measures at any time with the proper notification to the community. These measures must be followed by all users to provide security for Cambridge College network users and electronic resources. These measures require the use of specific wireless network products and are designed to meet emerging wireless encryption and security standards. These measures may include other authentication mechanisms including authorization by username and password.

POLICY APPLIES TO:

This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff of Cambridge College and to all other users of the Cambridge College wireless network. These users are responsible for reading, understanding, and complying with this policy.

Individuals Responsible for Revision and Implementation: Vice President for Finance and Administration and Director of Information Technology