UTEP Wireless Network Policy

Wireless Communication Policy

1.0 Introduction
In response to the increasing and widespread interest in wireless networking from individuals and departments, the Information Technology (IT) Department has developed wireless networking services that provide its users with the ability to move freely about the campus while utilizing the Internet.

Wireless networks operate in both FCC licensed and unlicensed bands and communications infrastructures of both types are prevalent on the campus.  Many other types of communications products as well as other types of equipment operate in the FCC unlicensed bands, although the other equipment is not necessarily used for communications purposes. With all these different pieces of equipment sharing these bands, it is not unusual for one piece of equipment to interfere with another.  Such interference causes degraded service quality therefore, it is important to effectively engineer, install and manage wireless technology if it is to be a reliable means of communication.

In addition to the potential interference problems, wireless networks are inherently less secure than wired networks.  Only by proper implementation and operation can effective security be maintained.  A network-wide approach must be taken to keep interference to a minimum, secure the campus wireless networks and insure the integrity of the campus computing systems connected to these networks.

Applications that use a large amount of bandwidth, e.g., downloading of audio and video files, Banner 2000 (Goldmine), etc., will effectively limit the use of a wireless network to just one or a few individuals.  A solution would be for these individuals to perform the activities listed above on a wired network.

At the present time, there is no guarantee of security on a wireless network.  Therefore, it is recommended that information of a personal nature, information protected by FERPA or HIPAA regulations or any information the user would consider sensitive not be transmitted over a wireless network.

2.0 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide the best possible quality of wireless network service, ensure wired and wireless network security and integrity, and minimize interference between the campus wireless network and other products deployed throughout campus.

3.0 Scope
This policy covers all wireless data communication devices (e.g., personal computers, cellular phones, PDAs, etc.) connected to any of the University's internal networks.  This includes any form of wireless communication device capable of transmitting packet data. Wireless devices and/or networks without any connectivity to University of Texas at El Paso's networks do not fall under the purview of this policy except that wireless access points or networks operating on campus without permission of the IT department or any device found to be interfering with the UTEP wireless networks are within the scope of this policy and subject to confiscation and removal from service.

4.0 Policy

Installation, engineering, maintenance, and operation of wired and wireless networks serving University faculty, staff, or students, on any property owned or tenanted by the University, are the sole responsibility of the Information Technology department.  Individuals and departments should not independently deploy wireless networking products.

5.0 Standards
For equipment supported by the UTEP IT department, see the publication Wireless Communication Standards.

6.0 Enforcement
Any person found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

7.0 Revision History  
First Draft: April 1, 2002
Revised: September 17, 2002
Revised: May 13, 2003
Revised: May 30, 2003
Revised: June 18, 2003