Effective Date: February 2, 2010
Last Reviewed: February 2, 2010
Purpose
The purpose of this policy and related procedures is to define responsibilities for 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 Stonehill College network.
Scope
This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff of Stonehill College and to all other users of the wireless network that Stonehill College provides in public spaces on campus to enable the convenience of mobile network connectivity.
The policy ensures that wireless devices that do not conform to frequency standards, cause interference to wireless service, and present security risks do not prevent College users from obtaining or maintaining secure, network connectivity.
Policy
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.
Radio Frequency Airspace
The radio frequency airspace of the College serves as the transport medium for the wireless network technology
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) Wireless Network This service allows members of the college community to access the campus wide network from wireless devices or portable computers where coverage is available.
Procedures
Security
Users should assume that data transmitted over the wireless network is not secure.
Access Points
Only access points provided and installed by IT or approved for installation by IT are permitted on the College network or on the campus. 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 teaching 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 Stonehill College network.
Wireless Devices
Wireless devices, such as portable phones, portable digital assistants (PDA) and personal response systems, that broadcast and receive information on the same frequency as the wireless network may not be allowed on campus due to the possibility of interference. If reports of disruptions caused by such devices occur, the circumstances will be investigated and could result in removal of the device. IT is authorized to make this determination.
Authorized Use
Only users affiliated with Stonehill College are authorized to use wireless networking on campus. IT may implement data encryption and authentication security measures that must be followed by all users to provide security for Stonehill 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 include other authentication mechanisms including authorization by username and password.
Exceptions
Stonehill College reserves the right to make exceptions to this policy on an individual basis when it is determined to be in the best interest of the College. All exceptions must be authorized in advance in writing by the Chief Information Officer.