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Birkbeck Wireless and Mobile Policy

1. Introduction

A number of Wireless Access Points, and dedicated fixed network points, are available in Birkbeck for the connection of equipment being used by staff and students in the College, for their College work. The objectives of this policy are to clarify responsibilities for the maintenance, operation and support of the service.

This policy applies to all wireless network devices utilizing Birkbeck IP space, all connections to fixed network points in public areas (including centrally allocated teaching rooms), and all users of such devices.

2. General Policy

  • Central Computing Services has overall responsibility for Birkbeck's data communications and telephone infrastructure. CCS will therefore be responsible for the deployment, management and support of all wireless local area networks that serve common areas and all areas where a connection to Birkbeck's network is required.
  • The wireless network will extend as funding allows to all areas of the College supporting open access areas, and centrally allocated teaching rooms. Schools or departments wishing to extend wireless coverage to areas which are not accessible are expected to fund the installation.
  • No wireless LAN equipment (access points, bridges, etc) that is not under the direct supervision of CCS may be attached to Birkbeck's network. If Schools or research groups have teaching or research requirements involving wireless LANs that cannot be satisfied via central provision they may seek approval from the CCS Systems Manager, or nominated individuals within Schools, to deploy wireless LANs in areas for which they have sole responsibility and a legitimate teaching or research requirement.
  • Proposals which may require a concentration of wireless devices in School accomodation, such as possible wireless workstation rooms, should be discussed with CCS.
  • All Access Points and wireless client adapters on the Birkbeck Wireless LAN will use a Service Set Identifier (SSID) maintained by CCS.
  • A valid CCS username and password is required to use the wireless and fixed network.
  • Birkbeck will not accept responsibility or liability for any damage or loss of data to any machine while in transit or connected to the Birkbeck network.
  • Traffic on the Birkbeck network may be monitored or recorded to secure effective operation, and for other lawful purposes.
  • CCS reserve the right to actively scan for vulnerabilities and infections on connected systems.
  • ALL wireless LAN communications shall be encrypted.
    CCS reserve the right to suspend access to the wireless network by any user in breach of this or other Birkbeck policy.
  • All IP addresses for the Birkbeck Wireless and Mobile network will be assigned by a DHCP service maintained by CCS for College wide services.
  • Access to central, CCS managed filestore will be available via vpn only.
  • This policy should be read in conjunction with the Network Security Policy, Birkbeck's Computing Regulations, and any School policies which may be in force.

3. Supported equipment and protocols

Wireless Access Points are from the Cisco Aironet range. Adaptors and other wireless devices that support the following should be purchased:

  • 128-bit WEP encryption
  • 802.1x client (supplicant)
  • Dynamic/rotating WEP keys

Protocols use are being monitored, and may be restricted at a later date to http, ftp and protocols supporting encryption (eg SSH).

 

4. Responsibilities of Users

  • Since WEP alone does not ensure ecure wireless communications, users are encouraged to use applications that provide encryption, such as Secure Shell (SSH) instead of Telnet for remote logins, and SSL-based secure websites.
  • All users of the Birkbeck Wireless and mobile network must register the MAC address of their wireless adaptor before access will be granted.
  • Use applications only under encrypted protocols when using over the wireless infrastructure.
  • Users must not attach equipment to the network until they have registered for the service.
  • Students may not install or operate Wireless Access Points.
  • Users must not allow equipment to act as a server of any kind.
  • Users must not invent network settings or host identities.
  • Users must not transfer network settings or host identities from one machine to another (whether already registered or not).
  • All users must accept the conditions of use contained within this policy, the Network Security Policy [www.bbk.ac.uk/hr/policies_services/policies_az/networksecurity] and Birkbeck Computer Regulations [www.bbk.ac.uk/hr/policies_services/policies_az/computing_regulations].
  • Users are responsible for any equipment connected to the system and for ensuring that it is in good working condition, and will therefore not present a health and safety risk to people or College property.
  • Users should ensure that operating systems are patched up to date.
  • Users should ensure that systems have up to date anti-virus software installed.
  • Users should check the hardware compatibility before purchasing wireless adaptors.
  • Use of the VPN service is recommended.
  • Use of a personal firewall product is recommended.

5. Responsibilities of CCS

  • Develop, maintain and update wireless and mobile policy and wireless security standards.
  • Maintain details of all wireless networks and access points.
  • Resolve wireless communication interference problems.
  • Manage and deploy wireless communications systems in common areas of the campus.
  • Approve departmental installations of wireless communication systems/access points.
  • Monitor performance and security of all wireless networks within common areas and maintain network statistics as required to prevent unauthorized access to the campus network.
  • Monitor the development of wireless network technology, evaluating wireless network technology enhancements.
  • Provide support to users configuring wireless equipment
  • Maintain a list of compatible hardware.
  • Support of personal equipment is on a best efforts basis only.
  • Safeguard the security of the University's information resources.
  • Ensure that systems administrators and users understand the security implications and performance limitations of the technology.

6. Radio Signal Interference

802.11b/g WLANs operate in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz range and conform to the IEEE 802.11 DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) specification. Other wireless devices use the same 2.4 GHz frequency band and may disrupt the operation of the wireless network.

If interference occurs, the 802.11 network will have priority. In cases of significant problems, users of other devices will be required to cease using those devices.

In cases where the interfering device is being used for a specific teaching or research application, CCS will work with the owner of the device to accommodate the device without disrupting the wireless network.

In the event that both cannot operate without interference, use for teaching will be given top priority, followed by specific research purposes, followed by general wireless access.

7. Other information

Details of the wireless and mobile service is available from
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/its/services/wam

and details of supported wireless adaptors is available at
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/its/services/wam

 
IT Services, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, Telephone: 020 7631 6543, Fax: 020 7631 6556.
Please report any problems with the ITS web site to its-web@bbk.ac.uk.