Wireless Access Standard - Draft 1

This Standard applies specifically to devices that use over the air transmission to connect to University of Central Florida internal computers systems, networks and data repositories.

Wireless access at University of Central Florida is a convenience service limited to satisfying requirements for linking portable (untethered) or dislocated computers into the campus LAN structure. Wireless is not a direct replacement for standard cabled connection of desktops/laptops/notebooks and peripherals to the campus infrastructure. Wireless systems at University of Central Florida are being engineered and configured to support continuous coverage of roaming users across the campus, and therefore requires strict central management. As a convenience service, users must be aware that problem resolution for connection over wireless may not be resolved as quickly as desired.

Users of wireless access will have their wireless modem cards and devices registered with NOC before access can be obtained through any campus registered and operated access port.

The capacity of wireless connectivity is limited by both bandwidth and distance. Users must be aware that connection will not be guaranteed and that once connected, links are subject to interruption or degradation by interference from other electronic devices, building structure or weather conditions.

The University only supports over the air technology governed by IEEE standard 802.11 and will utilize only equipment that as a minimum has been certified as interoperable by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA). NOC will publish a listing of equipment vendors and models that have been tested in the University of Central Florida environment and found to be compatible. Users may ask NOC to conduct certification on other equipment on a time available basis.

Wireless access will be provided in two varieties at University of Central Florida.

Public Access. Public Access shall be construed to mean unsecured access ports installed in public areas such as the conference rooms in the Student Union or other public areas intended for general public use. Public zone identification keys will be published to the campus population. Communications links will not be encrypted. Access may be restricted to selected services. Public Access systems will not be used to host servers; however users entering the network through a Public Access would be able to use servers hosted on the cabled infrastructure.

Private Access. Private Access shall be construed to mean private access zones set up within departmental areas of buildings to support departmental requirements or special events that are not intended for general public use. Departments will retain control of access to these zones and will not publish keys to the campus population. These zones may be provided with link encryption using the Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) standards.

All Wireless systems whether Public or Private will be registered with NOC. As a minimum, NOC will retain information on frequency assignment, physical location, zone key and responsible department contact. New wireless systems must be reviewed by NOC before purchase or implementation. Registration of wireless user devices will be centrally managed by NOC. Frequency allocation will be managed by NOC to ensure recommended industry separation. Wireless hubs that are interfering with properly registered production hubs will be disconnected until the device can be setup in a non-interfering configuration.