Tarleton State University Wireless Airspace Policy
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides wireless network services to The
Tarleton State University Campuses located at the at Stephenville and Ft Worth
(Hickman and Schaffer locations) These services are intended to allow members of the
Tarleton community access to all campus computing resources from a mobile or other
portable device such as notebooks, iPhones and personal digital assistants (PDAs)
where coverage is available. However, it also means that a portion of radio airspace
on the campus serves as the transport medium for a part of the campus network. The
use of the air space can pose a number of potential difficulties for both users and
network administrators.
Therefore, certain computing, networking and security polices apply to that segment of
the radio airspace on campus. This document alerts student, faculty and staff to the
potential problems that could result from devices using the same radio frequency. ITS
employs products that use the Federal Communications Commission radio frequency
bands of 2.4 GHz and 5GHz. Wireless transmissions within these bands conform to the
IEEE 802.11b DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) and IEEE 802.11a, IEEE
802.11g and IEEE802.11n wireless LAN specifications. Other wireless products also
exist in the marketplace that use these same 2.4 GHz and 5GHz frequency bands but do
not conform to these standards. Such products can cause interference to wireless
service and can prevent Tarleton users from obtaining or maintaining network
connectivity. These devices include, but are not limited to, other IEEE wireless LAN
devices, Bluetooth products, cordless telephones, wireless video cameras, wireless print
servers and wireless audio speakers.
Additionally, ITS will regulate and mange this airspace to ensure highest level of service
to the users of Wireless Local Area Network. ITS will approach the shared use of the
2.4 and 5.0 GHz radio frequencies in the same way that it manages the wired network
and accordingly, reserves the right to restrict the use of all 2.4 and 5.0 GHz radio
devices in university-owned buildings and all outdoor spaces on the Tarleton State
University Campus. All provisions outlined in University policy apply equally to both the
wired and wireless networks; see the “Tarleton State University Computer Use
Regulations” for information on the campus computing policies, specific guidelines
pertaining to wireless networking are outlined below:
1. Only wireless access points provided and installed by ITS or approved by ITS are
allowed on the Tarleton network. Departments are not authorized to purchase
wireless devices without the written approval of ITS. These measures are required
to ensure specific wireless products are compatible with current encryption and
security standards employed by ITS. Contact the telecom help desk at 254-9689885 to request wireless services.
2. The University reserves the right to remove or disconnect any access point not
installed and configured by ITS personnel or specifically covered by prior written
agreement and/or arrangement with ITS.
3. Other devices such as portable phones, and wireless devices using "Bluetooth" (a
competing wireless technology), that broadcast and receive information on the same
frequency as wireless Ethernet devices may not be allowed on the network, due to
the possibility of interference. If reports of disruptions caused by such devices occur,
the circumstances will be investigated and could result in removal of the device, with
the determination to be made by ITS.
4. Only users with valid Tarleton credentials are authorized to use the wireless
network. Contact the helpdesk to request temporary accounts for visitors or
venders.
Tarleton State University needs help from all members of the campus community in
minimizing the potential cross interference from competing devices. Tarleton State
University requests that use of all other 2.4 or 5.0 GHz devices be discontinued in
university-owned buildings unless they are part of the wireless network installed and
administered by ITS. In cases where the device is being used for a specific teaching or
research application, ITS will work with faculty to determine whether there are
circumstances under which use of the device may still be accommodated without
causing interference to wireless local area network users.
To reduce the risks associated with the installation of unauthorized wireless networking
devices or rogue access points (AP), Tarleton wireless administrators will conduct daily
wireless network scans of Tarleton State University’s airspace. If a rogue AP has been
detected, wireless administrator will notify Tarleton Information Security Officer (ISO) of
the airspace violation and attempt to locate the rogue AP, and when possible
immediately disable the device. Tarleton ITS will them instruct the owner of the rogue
device to contact the ISO for further instruction.
If you think you have an existing system that may use 2.4 or 5.0 GHz radios for
transmission or you are planning to purchase a wireless system and you are uncertain if
it employs 2.4 or 5.0 GHz radios, please contact the Help Desk (254-968-9885) or send
an email to helpdesk@tarleton.edu.