The purpose of this policy is to provide reliable and secure wireless network access at Villanova University. Wireless networking uses the shared resource of the unlicensed radio frequencies on campus. Careful planning is required to support the implementation of wireless access across campus.

This policy applies to all wireless network users at Villanova University.

A wireless networking policy is needed:

• To support the academic mission of the University
• To limit interference with the University's network infrastructure
• To promote greater security in campus networking

Policy

Ownership and Management of Radio Airspace

1. Villanova University is the owner of the unlicensed radio frequencies on campus. These include the FCC 2.4 GHz Industrial/Scientific/Medical (ISM) and the 5 GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) bands used in wireless networking. The Office for University Information Technologies (UNIT) is responsible for managing these radio frequencies for the benefit of the University community. UNIT may restrict use of any devices that can cause interference in the unlicensed radio frequencies ranges. These include cordless phones, microwave ovens, high voltage audio speakers, etc.
2. UNIT is solely responsible for providing wireless networking services on campus. No other department may deploy wireless network access points or other wireless service on campus. Private wireless access points in the dormitories or offices are strictly prohibited.
3. UNIT is responsible for maintaining a secure network and will deploy adequate security procedures to support wireless networking on campus.
4. The University will deploy a campus wireless network, based on the 802.11 standards. UNIT will work with departments to accommodate special needs, where technically feasible. UNIT will collaborate with academic departments where devices used for specific educational or research applications may require specific solutions. If consensus cannot be reached between departments normal escalation processes remain in place via the governing IT committees and ultimately the VPAA and CIO for resolution.
5. UNIT will develop a procedure for the temporary use of a wireless access point to support campus events.

Wireless Service Considerations

1. Wireless networking has bandwidth limitations compared to the wired network. The wireless network should be viewed as augmenting the wired network, to provide more flexible network use. Applications that require large amounts of bandwidth, or are sensitive to changes in signal quality and strength may not be appropriate for wireless access.

Standards supported

1. IEEE 802.11a is the preferred wireless networking standard. 802.11b will be available, where necessary.
2. IEEE 802.1X is the authentication standard. Additional security procedures may be applied as needed.
3. UNIT will require the use of specific hardware or software vendors (applies to the network infrastructure) that are known to function well with Villanova's wireless network.

Status

1. This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis. Changes to be made to this document must be approved by the University's IT governing bodies.
2. UNIT will create procedures to execute this document, and to inform the University community of its existence and importance.