UW IT Wireless Installation Policy
With the continued growth of the University of Wyoming wireless data
network it is essential that all new installations have a site survey
performed. Typically a site survey entails thorough testing with actual
wireless hardware placed in the location where wireless coverage is
being requested. Because of a variety of factors that can interfere with
wireless signals (for example, improperly shielded microwave ovens,
cordless phones, rogue access points using adjacent channels, and a
number of other sources), it is necessary to be highly selective about
placement of wireless access points. With this in mind it is also
important to take into consideration that it is possible that these
sources of interference may impede the day to day use of the wireless
system. It is impossible to account for all sources of interference and
plan for all possible problems, but with the help of network users it is
possible to eliminate or avoid most problems.
It is important that network users inform Information Technology of
all areas that they wish to be covered by wireless access. Without this
vital information it will be impossible to provide the best coverage.
The University of Wyoming does not recommend wireless, nor will wireless be used,
to replace wired desktop systems unless access for wiring is impractical
or too costly to install. Wireless Internet access is intended to be
used for occasional or incidental Internet access. Also, wireless access
is intended to compliment existing wired networks, not replace them.
With that in mind, Information Technology will not typically offer
wireless services when the expressed purpose is to eliminate wired
connections because a wired data connection is still far superior to a
wireless connection. Current wireless technology does not adequately
support the typical user’s daily network traffic. Wireless is a shared
bandwidth technology, which means that there is only a finite amount of
bandwidth available and it will be split up among active users. The
current recommended number of users per access point is no more than
twenty. At this level of saturation it is quite likely that each user
will get very limited network speed. The theoretical maximum number of users
that can associate to an access point at any one time far exceeds this
recommended value, but due to the very limited bandwidth inherent to the
technology, it is best to not exceed the twenty user limit. Please be
aware that wireless may not support all services that a wired connection
does, i.e. automatic antivirus synchronization, domain access at boot
time or any other unforeseen use.
Initial wireless installation costs include the cost of the access
points and any premise wiring that must be installed to support the
access points. This includes, but is not limited to, data cabling and/or
power. Please be aware that IT cannot install a wireless access point on
wiring that is rated anything less than category 5. To determine if your
wiring is category 5 or above please contact the Telecom Help Desk
(766-HELP, option 2) for further information. If it becomes necessary
for an access point to be moved due to a request by the user it will be a
billable service. All wireless access points will be managed centrally
by Information Technology to ensure consistency and compatibility with
other network resources as well as providing for greater network
security. It is vital that access points be installed in a proper
environment. Wall thickness and architectural factors play a major role
in wireless coverage. Rogue (unapproved by IT) access points will be
disconnected from the network.