Wireless Communication Policy

Wireless Communication Policy

INTRODUCTION

Belmont University computing and telecommunication networks, computing equipment and computing resources are owned by the university and are provided to support the academic and administrative functions of the university. Federal and state law, and university policies and procedures govern the use of this equipment and technologies. Any additional university wireless communications requirements must be in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, and this policy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set the standard for network operation and security, specifically in the context of wireless network access and support. The configuration, installation, and maintenance of wireless communication network access point devices, if unmanaged, could result in severe interference with other network users and serious security risks.

Wireless communications networks use radio waves as a transport medium in lieu of cables to transmit voice and data signals. As such, they permit wireless-equipped communications devices to have mobile access to the university network wherever wireless communications access points are installed.

Library Information Technology Services (LITS) defines the standards for the use of networks, including the wireless communications spectrum on campus.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and others who use the wireless communications spectrum.   Wireless applications are broad base and include user supplied wireless access points, smart televisions, printers and other electronic wireless devices on campus.  Adherence to the policy will help protect the integrity of the campus wireless network and mitigate security risks.

POLICY

The wireless spectrum on campus (WIFI)

• Belmont regulates and manages all unlicensed radio frequencies on campus.
• Wireless equipment installed by LITS uses either the FCC unlicensed 2.4 GHz Industrial/Scientific/Medical (ISM) band or the FCC 5.0 GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) band.
• Wireless devices that cause interference with ITS-installed devices are prohibited on the university campus.
• Faculty, staff or students who believe they have special wireless needs should contact LITS before attempting to install any wireless device.

Wireless Network Operations and Security

• The enterprise wireless infrastructure is managed campus-wide by LITS as part of the university’s campus network.
• University wireless networks will be secured by the firewall on the wireless controllers or segmented by access control policies that control the IP traffic on the Belmont campus network.   The wireless network will be treated as a “foreign/untrusted network” from a security standpoint.  Wireless users must abide to the Acceptable Use Policy at all times
• Wireless traffic involving data classified as level 1 or level 2 confidential under the Data Classification Policy must be encrypted in accordance with acceptable encryption standards.
• Only authorized access points will be permitted and all unauthorized access points will be removed.
• Unauthorized traffic interception and/or bridging between the wired and wireless network is prohibited.
• Applications supported over the wireless network will be limited or shaped to provide an acceptable quality of service for all users.
• No wireless spectrum interference or disruption of other authorized communications is permitted.

COMPLIANCE

Any violation of this policy by faculty and staff is “misconduct” under Belmont policies.  Any violation of this policy by students is subject to the Student Code of Conduct in the Bruin Guide student handbook. Violations of law may also be referred for criminal or civil prosecution.

LITS has the authority to disconnect network service or modify/enhance network security without notification in the event of law violation, systems compromise involving restricted data as defined by the Data Classification Policy, or negatively impacts network communications by affecting service for other users.

RELATED STANDARDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Wireless Communications Policy is administered through a collection of Belmont standards. The Belmont University Wireless Communications Policy and its standards are in effect at all times.  LITS works in concert with the Dean of Students Office, Senior Leadership, and Human Resources to ensure fair and appropriate investigation, consideration, and consequences where appropriate. Users are expected to familiarize themselves with Belmont standards and comply with them.

• Password Policy
• Acceptable User Policy
• Email Policy
• Technology Purchasing Policy
• Remote Access Policy
• Data Classification Policy
• 2016-2017 Belmont Bruin Guide
• 2016-2017 Faculty Staff Handbook
• 2016-2017 Staff Handbook
• FERPA Policy
• HIPPA Policy
• GLBA Policy
• Misconduct Policy

DEFINITION AND TERMS

USER: Any person using any of the University’s computer or information resources, including but not limited to:

• Faculty
• Students
• Alumni
• Contractors
• Consultants
• Associates, honoraries and visiting staff
• Community members and guests
• Other users authorized by the University
• Third parties (ex. Vendors, contractors, etc.)
• Anyone connecting non-Belmont equipment (e.g. laptop computers) to the University network