Network Equipment in BSN.

USF Wireless Installation Policy

There is now a new university-wide policy regarding wireless installations.

Please note that there is currently relatively wide-spread, standardized wireless coverage on campus, and this coverage is constantly being increased.

Introduction

There are a multitude of affordable Wireless LAN products available, most adhering to the IEEE 802.11 standards (a, b or g). Setting up a basic Wireless LAN (WLAN) using these products is very simple and offers great flexibility in mobile computing.

Although these devices work just fine in a home or small office, most of them aren't well suited for a campus-wide environment. Data Network Management at USF is responsible for the proper operation of the network. That is why any wireless (or any other network devices) connected to USF's data network must approved for interoperability and remote management capabilities that allow for troubleshooting. Wireless installations also need to take into account fire, electric and building codes, radio propagation, avoiding interference and conforming to a campus-wide USF standard.

There have, in fact, been multiple cases in which users have connected unapproved devices to the USF network and brought down entire network segments before they were caught. Don't become one of them!

How to Avoid Problems

Please contact Information Technology Communications before purchasing equipment. We will be happy to help you design the best possible solution. Also, see the official campus standard on wireless devices.

Please note that the equipment we specify may be rated for plenum air spaces, has advanced management capabilities, significantly better radio performance than consumer units and typically uses high-gain external antennas, and consequently will be more expensive than your typical consumer device.

Feh. I Still Want to Install My Own!

Interference

People in neighboring departments or areas may also wish to use a Wireless LAN. Standards and channel assignments should be coordinated to avoid disrupting neighboring networks and to keep your network free of intereference. You may also wish to design your antennas and their gain patterns and location so as to maximize the signal strength for your users, and minimize interference.

Benefits of Cooperation

Wireless installations on campus should use standardized settings. The benefit of this is that each new access point becomes part of campus-wide coverage, and users can enjoy a wireless connection everywhere without having to reconfigure their client devices for each new access point.

Access Control

Unauthorized persons may try to gain access to the USF network and Internet via your access point. They may simply wish to get free Internet service, or they may engage in criminal activity, exposing you, your department and the university to serious liability. Following the proper USF standards allows for better access control, keeping the bad guys out, and for better accountability that makes catching problems much easier.

If you have any suggestions, experiences you would like to share, or questions, please feel free to contact Information Technology Communications at help@usf.edu.