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The University of Arkansas wireless networking systems is an enterprise system covering external areas of the campus and interconnected building wireless networks. These systems are intended to allow campus users access to all campus computing facilities from mobile or portable devices such as notebook computers, tablets and smartphones.
A portion of radio airspace on the campus serves as the transport medium for a part of the campus network. Accordingly, certain computing, networking, and security policies apply to that segment of the radio airspace on campus. This document alerts members of the campus community of potential problems that could result from devices using the same radio frequency.
The University of Arkansas wireless network is based upon the FCC unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges defined for 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n wireless networks. Certain other "wireless" devices exist in the marketplace that also employ the same frequency band and can cause interference to users of the campus wireless network. These devices include, but are not limited to, other IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN devices, cordless telephones, cameras, audio speakers and Bluetooth devices.
In order to assure the highest level of service to the users of the campus wireless network, IT Services needs help from all members of the campus community in minimizing the potential interference from those devices. IT Services requests that use of all other 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices be discontinued in and around university-owned buildings. In cases where the device is being used for a specific teaching or research application, IT Services will work with faculty to determine whether there are circumstances under which use of the device can still be accommodated without causing interference to campus wireless network users.
IT Services will manage the shared use of the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz radio frequencies in the same way that it manages the shared use of the wired network. While we may not actively monitor use of the airspace for potential interfering devices, we will seek out the user of a specific device if we find that it is actually causing interference and disrupting the campus network. In these cases, IT Services may restrict the use of all 2.4/5 GHz radio devices in university-owned buildings and all outdoor spaces on the University of Arkansas campus. See the University of Arkansas Code of Computing Practices regarding appropriate use and connection authorization for campus computing and networking resources.
If you think you have an existing system that may use 2.4 or 5 GHz radios for transmission or you are planning to purchase a wireless system and you are uncertain if it employs 2.4 or 5 GHz radios, please contact Network Services through the IT Services Help Desk at 479-575-2905. Network Services can assist in determining if such devices may cause interference to the campus wireless network.
Questions
If you have questions or need information about acceptable use of computing resources at the University of Arkansas, contact IT Services at 479-575-2905.