Introduction
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology allows respectable data rates over limited areas (e.g., a lecture room or dining area). It is not a replacement for wired networks because of speed and density limitations, but does offer new, more flexible choices. The current used technology is IEEE 802.11b/g. For more information about this technology, please visit the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (www.wi-fi.org).
Guidelines and Restrictions
Requests for wireless service in CIS-maintained building networks must be engineered and provided by the CIS Network Group. See Wireless LAN Connections for request information.Requests for wireless service within ' departmental' networks (those not maintained by CIS) must be approved by the CIS Network Group as to Radio Frequency (RF) footprint and authentication method. No departmental wireless coverage is allowed outside a building. There may be an engineering fee depending on the amount of work necessary to review the departmental wireless network proposal. If a departmental network is housed in a building shared with another department, then CIS must install, maintain and operate the wireless network. Proposals or requests for information regarding departmental wireless networks should be sent via email to consult@net.tamu.edu.
Requests for wireless service for stand-alone networks (no access to campus or Internet) must be approved by the CIS Network Group as to RF footprint and addressing, channel assignments and security. No wireless coverage is allowed outside a building and overlap between wireless cells will be arbitrated by the CIS Network Group. Proposals or requests for information regarding stand-alone wireless networks should be sent via email to consult@net.tamu.edu.
If an unauthorized access point anywhere on the network is located, TAMU-CIS will attempt to contact the owner(s) and direct them to nis.tamu.edu to review current policies and practices for network installations. CIS also will ask them to remove the device and let them know their port will be deactivated if the device is found again. In the event an access point is found and no owner can be located, CIS will disable the port, power off the device and contact the NIM-registed owner of the IP being used.
ResNet Notice
Unapproved attachment of wireless access points is strictly prohibited in Texas A&M University residence halls. These devices cause major disruptions and security risks in ResNet and cause outages for fellow students. Any access point found active on ResNet can cause the port to be disabled and the user will need to contact helpdesk at 845-8300 to re-enable connection. Please see the following pages for more information:
ResNet Guidelines and Restrictions
ResNet FAQ
Tamulink - Wireless Networking on Campus
Tamulink is a set of wireless and wired-outlet network connections that allow network access from a variety of locations on campus. This publicly available wireless local area network is provided for Texas A&M students, faculty and staff. More information on tamulink can be found here. Instructions on how to set it up can be found at HDC Wireless Information Page.
Security Considerations
There is no system currently foolproof against intercept or other 'hacking' techniques given a sufficiently sophisticated attacker. In other words, it may be possible for a user to listen to others' traffic. Wireless users should not plan for, nor allow, access to key data and/or by privileged users. All traffic from users of CIS-supported wireless networks must use the campus VPN service. Gateways will enforce this requirement. All users must have a VPN account and the VPN client installed on their computer in order to access campus systems or the Internet. Download the VPN client from the VPN Download site. Configuration instructions can be found at HDC Wireless Documentation Page. Contact CIS Help Desk Central (845-8300) for any questions concerning setting up the VPN client. Departmental systems must provide equivalent security approved by TAMU-CIS Network Security. Questions regarding wireless security should be directed via email to security@net.tamu.edu.
Summary
Wireless networking using 802.11 is a powerful but immature technology that may pose security risks and management problems. Contact the CIS Network Group at consult@net.tamu.edu before planning the installation of any wireless LAN equipment.