9.3 Policy on Wireless Radio Frequency Airspace

I. Purpose

The University provides wireless ISUnet service in many areas of the University to promote the convenience of mobile network connectivity. This service allows users to access campus-computing facilities from mobile or portable computers and selected personal digital devices where coverage is available. To provide this wireless service, the radio frequency airspace of the University serves as the transport medium for this technology. In order to protect this service, faculty, staff and students are requested not to use wireless devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency range while on campus unless these devices have been approved by Telecommunications and Networking.

II. Scope

The University reserves the right to restrict the use of all 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless devices in University-owned buildings and in all outdoor spaces on the Illinois State University campus.

III. Policy

Illinois State University retains control over all of the radio frequency airspace of the University as this space relates to the operation of radio, telephone, television, LAN, data and wireless network transmissions and equipment. This responsibility extends to both the use of licensed and unlicensed systems. Telecommunications and Networking is responsible for managing this air space and for coordinating all radio frequency transmission equipment. All wireless transmission equipment must be reviewed and approved by Telecommunications and Networking prior to any purchase or use.

Wireless ISUnet is based upon products that use the Federal Communications Commission wireless frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5GHz. Other wireless products also exist in the marketplaces that use these same 2.4 GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. These products can cause interference to wireless ISUnet service and can prevent University users from obtaining or maintaining network connectivity. Only Telecommunications and Networking is authorized to install wireless local area network (LAN) equipment within the property limits of Illinois State University. In cases where interference between wireless ISUnet and a local device is discovered, the owner of the local device will be asked to remove their device from operation.

Only users affiliated with Illinois State University are authorized to use wireless ISUnet. To help protect these affiliated users from unauthorized access to their computer resources, Telecommunications and Networking will implement special data encryption and security measures that must be followed by all users. These measures may require the use of specific wireless LAN product types designed to meet newly emerging wireless encryption and security standards.

IV. Compliance

Telecommunications and Networking is authorized to insure compliance with the Wireless Radio Frequency Airspace Policy and shall establish additional procedures and guidelines as needed. In the event that the security of ISUnet is compromised or illegal activities are observed, Telecommunications and Networking has the authority to apply additional network security measures and to disconnect network services without advanced notification for the duration of the emergency.

V. Approval & Review

The President of Illinois State University has approved the Policy on Radio Frequency Airspace. This policy will be periodically reviewed by the Information Technology Policy and Planning Council and changes or additions to this policy will be recommended by this Council to the President of the University. Information technology resources and systems are changing rapidly both in terms of technology and application, and the University reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. The version posted on the Policy website is the governing policy.

Last Review: April 2007