This policy covers not only wireless access points, it also covers any computer that has an installed wireless network card that is acting as a WAP. Your computer may be acting as a WAP if you have been using it on your home network. Windows users must disable Internet Connection Sharing. Mac users must follow the instructions for the specific software that they installed to enable home networking and by paying particular attention to turning off the DHCP server setting. The home networking configuration is not permitted on the college network because it interferes with the ResNet registration process.

The core of the Dickinson College campus now has complete wireless access compliant with the IEEE 802.11g standard and able to accommodate 802.11b equipped computers.  The locations with wireless access are the Waidner-Spahr Library, the Holland Union Building, the Quarry, Britton Plaza and Dickinson Walk.

Background

WiFi is the new frontier of networking services. It is relatively easy to install and serves the needs of the home environment. In most cases, according to industry commentators, the WiFi network is installed in a vulnerable configuration that opens the door to hackers. The data traffic is unencrypted which means that anyone who is able to intercept your wireless broadcast will be able to obtain password and account numbers that you are using online.

WiFi can affect the level of service and security that the Library & Information Services division (LIS) provides to the Dickinson Community. An improperly configured WAP can permit unauthorized entry into the Dickinson network or may create addressing and service conflicts with other devices on the network. It takes a significant effort on the part of the LIS staff to resolve the address and service conflicts and to restore normal operations.

Wireless access points are usually sold with their security features disabled so that the device is easy to install at home. Most home users are not interested in learning about these features and why it is important to activate them. One example illustrates this point: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption is usually not activated. While it does not protect your wireless sessions from experienced hackers, it will discourage casual neighborhood hackers.

Policy

The Library & Information Services division (LIS) is solely responsible for installing and maintaining wireless access points (WAP) and wireless networking services on the Dickinson College campus and network. LIS will support and maintain the devices that it installs. No other WAP's are permitted to be connected to the Dickinson College network. The Dickinson College Responsible Use Policy governs the use of the wireless network.

Unauthorized WAP's will be removed from the Dickinson College network. The owner of the unauthorized WAP will be considered to have committed a violation of the Responsible Use Policy.

Procedures

Accessing Dickinson College Wireless Internet Access