Wireless Networking (D-49)
Original Implementation: February 3, 2005
Last Revision: None
Purpose
Stephen F. Austin State University's wireless local area network (WLAN) enables mobile computing and provides network services at selected hotspots on campus. It is a complementary system to the campus wired network.
The purpose of the wireless policy and related standards and guidelines is to assure students, faculty, and staff access to a reliable, robust, secure, and integrated WLAN.
Scope
This policy applies to all uses of WLAN technologies at all physical locations of Stephen F. Austin State University, both inside buildings and in outdoor areas. It does not apply to cellular wireless technology.
All SFA information technology policies (http://www.sfasu.edu/upp/) apply to the use of the WLAN, as do all other applicable SFA policies and procedures and all federal, state, and local laws.
Responsibility
Information Technology Services (ITS) will be solely responsible for implementation of WLAN technology, enforcement of campus network standards, and resolution of frequency interference issues.
TS will be the sole provider of design, specification, installation, operation, maintenance, and management services for all Wireless Access Points (WAPs).
ITS will manage all SFA-owned wireless equipment.
Students may not install or operate WAPs on university-owned property, including residence halls and apartments.
The service demarcation points will be the WAPs themselves. ITS will be responsible for the WAPs and the wired network to which they are attached.
Departments and individual students will be responsible for all costs associated with purchase, installation, operation, and support of wireless PC cards in client computers. ITS will maintain a list of compatible wireless PC cards, which can be viewed from the mySFA intranet portal.
ITS will maintain a list of buildings and outdoor areas covered by the WLAN, which can be viewed from the mySFA intranet portal.
ITS will identify and authenticate all users connecting to the WLAN.
Policy Access
All SFA faculty, staff, and students are required to have a valid mySFA user ID and password to use the WLAN. Temporary guest accounts can be obtained from ITS.
Security
All WAPs and wireless client adapters will use a Service Set Identification (Svided by ITS.
SFA will encrypt all data while it is in transit on the wireless (i.e. radio) portion of the WLAN.
Since wireless transmissions are insecure by their nature, WLAN users are encouraged to use applications that provide further encryption.
Standard s
SFA has adopted the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) standards for wireless networking for the Wsp;
Only the IP is supported on the WLAN.
All conflicts regarding use of the unregulated frequency spectrum on the WLAN shall be resolved in the following descending priority:
Administration
Instruction
Research
Personal
Sanctions for policy ons
Violations of any provision of this policy may result in but are not limited to:
(i) a limitation on a user's access to some or all University computer systems, (ii) the initiation of legal action by the University, including, but not limited to, criminal prosecution under appropriate State and Federal laws (See Chapter 33 of the Texas Penal Code), (iii) the requirement of the violator to provide restitution for any improper use of service, and (iv) disciplinary sanctions, which may include dismissal. ApplicableUniversity discipline and/or discharge policies will be followed in the imposition of sanctions related to a violation of this policy.
Many academic courses and work-related activities require the use of computers, networks and systems of the University. In the event of an imposed restriction or termination of access to some or all University computers and systems, a user enrolled in such courses or involved in computer related work activities may be required to use alternative facilities, if any, to satisfy the obligation of such courses or work activity. However, users are advised that if such alternative facilities are unavailable or not feasible, the users bear the responsibility for failure to complete requirements for course work or work responsibility.
Source of Authority: Vice President for Business Affairs
Cross Reference: University Policies: Computer & Network Security Policy D-8.1, Acceptable Use of Information Resources F-40, Computing Software Copyright D-43, and Digital Millennium Copyright Policy D-42, Texas Information Resources Management Act, Texas Administrative Code, Texas Penal Code
Contact for Revision: Director of Information Technology Services.
Forms: None