Georgia Institute of Technology Wireless Network Usage Policy

Effective Date: March 12, 2004
Last Review Date: March, 2004	Next Review Date: March, 2005
Status	The following are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in this document:
Draft Under Review Approved Obsolete	Responsible University Officer Associate Vice President / Associate Vice Provost for Information Technology (CIO)
	Responsible Coordinating Office OIT - Academic Research & Technology

1. Executive Summary

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for implementation and appropriate usage of wireless networking within the Georgia Tech community. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) has the authority and responsibility to specify requirements for all devices connecting to the campus network, as well as device configuration management to avoid any adverse impact on the operation of other network devices.

This policy applies to all authorized users of Georgia Tech computing and network resources, and all wireless networking implemented by faculty, staff or students at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This includes all wireless access points attached to the Georgia Tech network and all wireless access points located on Georgia Tech owned or leased property. This policy also applies to other wireless devices and technology that share radio frequency ranges used by the wireless networking infrastructure at Georgia Tech (e.g., 2.4 GHz cordless phones and Bluetooth technology).

Insofar as this policy deals with access to Georgia Tech computing and network resources, all relevant provisions in the Computer and Network Usage Policy (CNUP)^[1] are applicable and included by reference in this document.

2. Definitions

Authorized Users: current faculty, staff, and students of the Institute.

LAWN: The Georgia Tech Local Area Wireless/Walkup Network.

Radio Frequency Allocation: The assignment and management of radio frequencies or channels used by wireless transmission devices physically on Georgia Tech property or connected to the Georgia Tech network. This currently includes channels in the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency ranges.

Wireless Access Point (AP): Any device providing connectivity from one computer or PDA to a network or other computer or PDA via radio frequency transmission.

3. Statement of Policy

The Office of Information Technology is responsible for:

• The implementation and management of all authorized wireless access points on the Georgia Tech network
• The allocation of frequencies/channels on all wireless network devices on Georgia Tech property
• Minimizing the potential for conflict from the use of wireless devices (e.g., cordless phones, microwave ovens, cordless speakers, Bluetooth devices, etc.) that share the same frequency space as the Georgia Tech wireless network.
  
  3.1. Authorized Wireless Access Points

  3.1.1. OIT shall manage all authorized wireless network access. Any exceptions, such as technology research projects, shall require approval by the CIO or his/her delegates and require management plans approved by the CIO or his/her delegates.

  3.1.2. The deployment of additional wireless access points in academic departments or research labs may benefit Georgia Tech. In order to ensure the viability and security of Georgia Tech’s network and information assets, any deployment of these devices must be approved by OIT prior to activation.

  3.1.3. The procedure for requesting implementation of a LAWN access point, or implementation of authorized wireless access points outside the LAWN, is described in Section 4 – Procedures and Guidelines.

  3.2. Policy Modifications

  Any amendments to this policy shall require the approval of the President of the Institute, although the CIO or his delegate may grant exceptions where necessary to further the Institute’s mission.

4. Procedures & Guidelines

4.1. Procedure For Requesting New Or Extended Service

The Remedy “Request for Service” web form^[2] should be used whenever possible to log any request for new wireless service, or to request extensions to existing service. The following information must be included in the request in order to route the request to the appropriate support group and expedite the request:

• In the “Summary” field, enter “LAWN – New Service Request”
• In the “Detail of the Problem” field, enter the following information in free text: On behalf of (if logging the request on behalf of someone else), School/Business Unit, Building/Room/Area to be covered, Peak number of users anticipated, and Requested Start Date for Service.

If the Remedy web form is not accessible, the request may be sent via email to support@oit.gatech.edu or can be “called in” to the HelpDesk at (404) 894-7173. In all cases, the above information (Summary and Detail) must be conveyed in order to process the request in a timely manner.

4.2. Procedure For Requesting Exemptions to the Policy

The Remedy “Request for Service” web form^[2] should be used whenever possible as described in the previous section, using email or calling the HelpDesk only as backup alternatives. The following information must be included in the request:

• In the “Summary” field, enter “LAWN – Policy Exemption Request”
• In the “Detail of the Problem” field, enter the following information in free text: On behalf of (if logging the request on behalf of someone else), School/Business Unit, Building/Area affected, Technical Point of Contact, and Justification (Research Applications, Other – please elaborate).

4.3. Guidelines and best practices for connecting to the campus wireless network, as well as implementing authorized access points outside the LAWN, may be found in the Wireless Networking Best Practices^[3] document.

5. Compliance

OIT reserves the right to identify and locate non-compliant APs, and to act on those discovered through normal operation and troubleshooting of the network, including security scans.

5.1 Technology Implementation

Any devices on Georgia Tech property discovered interfering with the authorized wireless access points will be subject to any of the following measures: termination of use, disabling of the transmit function, or disabling of appropriate ports for radio-based equipment.

5.2 Access Point Implementation

Any unauthorized access point implementation will be disabled or removed until such time as it is authorized and can be brought into compliance.

5.3 Personally-Owned Access Points

No personally owned (non-GT) wireless access points are authorized for connection to the Georgia Tech network in ResNet or EastNet.

5.4 Sanctions

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the CNUP, including possible loss of network connection to the house (Eastnet).

6. Communication

Upon approval, this policy shall be published on the Georgia Tech Office of Information Technology website. The following offices and individuals shall be notified via email and/or in writing upon approval of the policy and upon any subsequent revisions or amendments made to the original document:

• Department Heads
• Technical Support Community

7. References

^[1] Georgia Tech Computing and Network Usage Policy (CNUSP)
^[2] Remedy Request for Service Form
^[3] Georgia Tech Wireless Networking Best Practices
^[4] Georgia Tech Wireless Network Overview

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