Wireless networking using IEEE 802.11 is a powerful maturing technology that may pose security risks and management problems. The main objective of a wireless network is to provide a network connection that can be used within limited areas (e.g., a lecture room or dining area); it is not intended to be a replacement for the wired infrastructure.
The Texas A&M University – Commerce Wireless Access Procedure applies equally to all groups and individuals that utilize wireless connectivity to access Texas A&M University – Commerce information resources. This includes students, faculty, and staff members as well as guest account users.
1. Wireless networking is available on the Texas A&M University - Commerce campuses in Commerce, Corsicana, Mesquite, Midlothian, and Rockwall.
a. The Wireless SSID used for the Texas A&M University - Commerce Wireless network is TAMUC. Use of this SSID for a unrelated network is forbidden.
b. Wireless networking is generally available within academic and administrative buildings.
c. Areas adjacent to covered buildings may have some “bleed-over” wireless coverage, but this coverage is not guaranteed.
d. Wireless access is available in many residence halls. The Information Technology Support Center maintains a list of residence halls with wired and wireless access.
e. Only in residence halls without wireless Internet access, residents may setup their own wireless networks. The University Information Security Standard Administrative Procedure for Personal Wireless Hotspots should be followed.
f. Wireless access is not provided off-campus in any location.
2. Departments and individuals must not install their own wireless access points.
a. Wireless access points include computers that have both wired and wireless interfaces that are configured to operate as a wireless router or wireless bridge.
b. Access points within offices may be removed by the Infrastructure team.
c. Access points within residence halls may cause the wired network interface in the room to be disabled. The director of residence life may establish additional disciplinary procedures.
3. Access to the wireless network is controlled through the campus Active Directory.
a. Users must login to use the wireless network. The wireless network does not support devices that cannot perform a web-based authentication. This disallows the use of devices such as video game consoles and WiFi VOIP devices.
b. Current faculty and staff will have accounts with permission to login to the wireless network.
c. Current students (students who are enrolled in the current semester, including mini-semesters) will have accounts with permission to login to the wireless network.
d. Guest access is provided for conferences and similar meetings. The organizer should contact the IT Support center for details as part of planning the event.
e. Access to the wireless network is terminated upon the completion of the current semester for students, upon termination of employment for faculty and staff, and after the end of the event for a conference.
4. Access from the wireless network may be restricted.
a. Access to TAMUC Information Resources is restricted to the HTTP and HTTPS protocols only.
b. Access to TAMUC Information Resources using other protocols requires the use of the VPN client. Instructions on using or installing the VPN client are available from the IT Support Center.
c. Access to other protocols, such as FTP, SSH, etc. is permitted to Internet resources.
d. Access to certain protocols and services is blocked completely. See the Network Access Policy.
e. Access restrictions may be changed as the design of the network changes.
5. Intentionally disrupting or attempting to disrupt the wireless network is not permitted.
a. Certain devices may interfere with wireless networks, as allowed by FCC regulations, including microwave ovens. This interference cannot be prevented.
b. Some building designs prevent or prohibit wireless coverage. Where possible, coverage has been augmented, but wired connections should be preferred in these areas.
Last Updated March 31, 2014
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