This covers the use of non-UWRF owned wireless devices in the residence halls. Wireless access is now provided in the common areas (lobbies, lounges, and basement areas) where there are signs marking where FalconAir is available.
Due to the security issues involved with wireless networks, as well as radio spectrum issues, wireless networks other than the University's FalconAir are against the UWRF DoTS Acceptable Use Policy which is part of the UW-River Falls Housing Agreement.
UWRF DoTS does not allow any wireless devices on the network in your Residence Hall room. If a wireless connection is found in your room appropriate actions will be taken, including turning off both wired connections in the room until after a scheduled meeting with UWRF DoTS Management for all students living in the room. If caught with a wireless connection for a third time your network connection will be terminated for the remainder of the academic year and/or termination of your UWRF housing contract may occur.
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls and UWRF DoTS are responsible to off-campus constituents for the network activities that take place on this campus. Due to the fact that wireless security can be extremely penetrable by those outside seeking to do malicious activities, this policy has been adopted. To comment on this policy or to ask clarification please e-mail helpdesk@uwrf.edu
Access to the Internet is a precious commodity to students. There is often a great desire to have wide-open access and be free from wires when using the Internet. Many campuses have decided to implement wireless services without regard for the security concerns that are present. It is our campus policy that wireless access not be allowed for use at this time because of some grave concerns regarding the security of such technology. There are ways that wireless can be secure, but the solutions often are costly in equipment, software and labor to implement.
Due to the immense concerns over security the following actions are being enforced by University Administration:
No wireless data devices will be allowed at anytime by any student living or visiting the Residence Halls. This includes 802.11b (WIFI), 802.11a and 802.11g or any variant that comes from these standards. Due to concerns in enforcing airspace security, we will not grant exemptions for systems that are not connected to the wired data network.
Wireless Bluetooth technology that is not used in conjunction with data networking (such as cellular telephones) will be permissible. Bluetooth may not be used to connect a computer to other devices as this provides a direct path through that computer to the campus network. Bluetooth is commonly found in cellular telephones and other devices not associated with transmitting Internet data. The use of Bluetooth may not be used when connected to the campus network through a computer or PDA.
The use of wireless keyboards is discouraged, since you can "sniff" the radio signals as you type your password, credit cards numbers etc.
Services that are available in the public domain, such as XYZ Cellular, are not of concern to the University airspace management. These devices are already coordinated through the FCC and do not pose additional security threat to our environment any more than other Internet sites do. Subscribing to one of these public services not only gives you Internet access on campus but in other areas too.
UWRF DoTS will actively monitor campus airspace for 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g carriers (and other new standards that are released). Any presence of these carriers will be investigated and the appropriate students dealt with according to our already established Acceptable Use Policy.
