Guidelines

Wellesley College provides the convenience of wireless data network access in select locations to the campus community. Wireless networking is provided as a supplement to the College’s wired LAN network, and is not considered a replacement for wired access. Use of the wireless network should be in conformance with the College’s policies on the Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources and copyright, including file sharing.

Wireless networking is a broadcast form of communication, and as such presents a variety of additional issues and security risks that are not present with a wired connection. Wireless data protocols also use the shared 2.4 GHz frequency airspace which is used by a variety of other technologies, including cordless phones, microwave ovens, and BlueTooth devices; this also presents reliability and performance issues for wireless networking.

Therefore, Wellesley College has adopted the following procedures and recommendations for the deployment and use of wireless networking on the College’s network.

Nostrings / Other Wireless Networks: The Wellesley College wireless network is called nostrings. Please do not connect to other wireless networks that may appear on campus (e.g. "Free Public WiFi" or "linksys"). Some of these are "ad hoc networks" originating from other laptops, not wireless access points.

Wireless Access Points vs Wireless Routers: Only wireless access points provided and installed by Information Services, or authorized and approved by IS, are permitted on Wellesley College’s campus network. Wellesley College does NOT support wireless routers or wireless router/access point combination devices. If such devices are found connected to the network, network access to that location will be disabled until the device is removed. However, a properly configured wireless access point ONLY device may be used on the network, if it is registered and approved by Information Services. Requests for approval should be sent by email to compreg@wellesley.edu.

Network Interface Cards (NICs): Computers with wireless network interface cards (NICs) may not be configured to act as access points or routers.

Other Devices that Use the Network: If you have a device other than a computer (e.g. PDAs, Apple iPod Touch) that uses the network, please email compreg@wellesley.edu for assistance. These special network devices must be configured and/or registered with help from IS staff.

Wireless Encryption: Wellesley does not currently require all wireless communications to be encrypted. Thus sensitive information sent over a wireless connection (such as passwords) can conceivably be stolen by someone monitoring the wireless network. Please exercise caution.