Wireless Networks Policy
Responsible Departments: Division for Information Technology Services: 909/537-5099
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are becoming extremely popular because of their relatively minor cost for deployment and the mobility that it provides for users. As a result, WLANs are expanding rapidly on all CSU campuses. Institutions who have deployed this technology have come to realize that, although this technology is extremely attractive, it can create other serious security and privacy problems; just about anyone can set up an operational WLAN in a few minutes by installing a low cost wireless access node.
- With the deployment of WLAN, two major concerns regarding issues of security are
- access control and privacy, and
- conflict or interference between wireless devices.
The problem of interference or conflict between wireless devices appears when the devices are installed without taking into consideration the proximity of other wireless devices. Wireless devices present an installation challenge since they must share the available limited airwaves on the campus, which must be used for the benefit of the entire campus community.
The purpose of this policy is to manage the deployment of wireless networks and services across the campus.
Wireless communications become an extension of the CSUSB telecommunications network; and, thus, it is subject to all applicable state and federal laws and to all related CSU and CSUSB policies.
All requests for the deployment and use of a wireless network on the CSUSB campus, whether or not directly or indirectly connected to the CSUSB telecommunications network, shall be reviewed and approved by the Information Security and Emerging Technology Department before its deployment. The Information Security and Emerging Technology Department will ensure that all practical procedures and safeguards have been considered for preventing the unauthorized use of the WLAN; and, furthermore, that its use will not expose the campus to potential security compromises and privacy violations.
Wireless networking products and services are an extension of the telecommunications network currently provided by the Telecommunications and Network Services Department (TNS). TNS currently purchases and installs all core networking hardware and services for the campus community. In an effort to maintain the integrity, interoperability and performance of these services for the campus, all wireless networking products and services will be designed, procured, and installed by TNS based on the CSU standard. All changes to campus wireless networks shall be approved by the Information Technology Governance Sub-Committee and Executive Committee.
Enforcement
As indicated in the 'Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic Communications,' the University reserves the right, without notice, to limit, restrict or terminate telecommunication services and to remove equipment when it is necessary in order to protect the integrity, security or functionality of the University's telecommunication services.
University faculty, staff, and students who violate this policy may be subjected to disciplinary action following established University channels for disciplinary matters. Violators are subject to any and/or all the following:
- Termination of telecommunication services.
- University disciplinary action.
- Removal of wireless equipment if necessary to protect the integrity, security or functionality of the University's telecommunications services.
- Sanctions for violations to other applicable CSU and CSUSB policies.