STN-3300.01: Providing Wireless Network Service to Campus

STANDARD SUMMARY

Intended Audience: Information Technology Services (ITS) personnel, Budget Authorities, Space Administrators, Facility Managers
Standard Owner: Director of Enterprise Infrastructure Services (EIS)

Information Technology Services (ITS) is the sole authorized provider of wireless network service to campus. ITS will determine the types of networks provided, the form factors of the equipment that provides wireless networking, and the installation locations for that equipment. ITS will consider building occupant needs and available funding when making design and installation decisions.

In new construction projects, ITS will provide wireless network design proposals to Capital Project Managers for selection.

In Residence Halls, ITS will provide wireless network design proposals to University Residences leadership for selection.

When ITS discovers an unauthorized device connected to the Western network to provide wireless network service, ITS will terminate that device’s network access and contact the device owner to request its removal.

 

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FULL DOCUMENT

 

Intended Audience: Information Technology Services (ITS) personnel, Budget Authorities, Space Administrators, Facility Managers

Standard Owner: Director of Enterprise Infrastructure Services (EIS)

1. Definitions

Wireless Access Point: Any device that connects to a WWU data network to provide wireless access to that network.

2. Wireless Access Point Approval and Management

2.1 Approval

A Wireless Access Point must be approved by WWU IT Services (ITS) in accordance with university policy POL-U3000.04: Computer Use – Responsible Computing.

2.2 Implementation Design

ITS develops a comprehensive design for providing wireless network service to campus, and is responsible for adding new wireless access points and replacing existing wireless access points on campus in accordance with that comprehensive design and available funding.

2.3 Comprehensive Management

ITS conducts the purchase, installation, configuration, and management of all wireless access points.

2.3.1 For Academic Buildings

In existing academic buildings, ITS will determine the types, quantities, and locations of wireless access point installations based on a review of the occupants’ network service needs, the available funding to support those needs, and a technical survey and analysis of the proposed coverage areas.

2.3.2 For University Residences

In University Residences (UR) facilities, ITS will present UR with multiple service options and costs (if possible), and UR will select their preferred choice.

2.3.3 For New Construction

In new construction, ITS will provide the project manager and project architects, engineers, and contractors with multiple service options and costs (if possible), and the project leadership team will select their preferred option.

2.4 Requests for Wireless Access Points

Departments may request the purchase and installation of a wireless access point in their area. ITS will evaluate the request to determine if it can be fulfilled by the criteria above and will provide the requesting department with an estimate for any costs the department must bear for the installation.

2.5 Unauthorized Wireless Access Points

When ITS discovers a device connected to the WWU data network that is providing unauthorized wireless access, ITS will disable the network connection being used by the unauthorized device, and attempt to contact the device owner to request its removal. After the unauthorized device has been removed, ITS will reactive the network connection at the device owner’s request.

3. Wireless Access Point Form Factors

ITS provides two models of wireless access points: enterprise wireless access points, and hospitality wireless access points.

3.1 Enterprise Model

Enterprise wireless access points provide support to larger areas and a higher density of network-connected devices within an area. Enterprise wireless access points are the recommended form factor to provide service in most locations, including the following:

  • Outdoor service areas.
  • Service in classrooms.
  • Service to common areas.
  • Service to multiple offices/low-occupancy spaces near each other, such as a suite of offices or cubicles.

3.2 Hospitality Model

Hospitality wireless access points provide coverage to smaller areas, and support a smaller density of devices within that area, but at a lower cost per access point. Hospitality wireless access points are recommended for providing service to the following:

  • Residence hall rooms.
  • Small meeting rooms that fall outside the coverage area of enterprise wireless access points.
  • Any locations that require service to fill a “coverage gap” created by the structure of the building, placement of existing access points, or other issues.

3.3 Choice of Model

ITS will determine the type of access point to procure and install in each service area, based on the criteria above and our best professional judgement.

4. Categories of Wireless Network

ITS deploys wireless access points to provide three categories of wireless networks: Academic, Residential, and Specialty.

4.1 Academic Network

Academic wireless networks provide service for academic and operational purposes, including instruction, research, conducting university business, and providing guest access to campus visitors and community members.

4.2 Residential Network

Residential wireless networks provide service to students and guests in residence halls for study, recreation, and other personal uses.

4.3 Specialty Network

Specialty networks provide limited connectivity to targeted users or devices for a specific function or purpose. These networks typically provide limited and controlled access to secured resources to comply with regulatory requirements or limited technical requirements.

Change Log

Revised Version Author Approver Change
03/26/2021 1.0 Chris Miller ITS Standards & Guidelines Committee Original Version