In the summer of 2000, Buena Vista University implemented a campus-wide wireless network on the Storm Lake campus. This wireless network allows users to access all university computing facilities from portable computers equipped with wireless network adapters.

The wireless network utilizes the 2.4 GHz radio spectrum. We intend to begin testing 5 GHz wireless devices in 2002 and transition the network to dual-band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz access points by the fall of 2004. The university therefore requests that use of all other 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices be discontinued on university property. While we will not actively monitor use of the airspace for potential interfering devices, we will seek out the user of a specific device if we believe that it is actually causing interference and disrupting the campus network. In these cases, the university reserves the right to restrict the use of all 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio devices in university-owned buildings and all outdoor spaces on the Buena Vista University campus.

Background information:

This document alerts members of the campus community to the potential problems that could result from devices using the same radio frequency as our wireless network.

The wireless network uses the FCC unlicensed 2.4 GHz Industrial/Scientific/Medical (ISM) band. Wireless transmissions within that band conform to the IEEE 802.11 DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) wireless LAN specification. Certain other "wireless" devices exist in the market place that also employ the same 2.4 GHz frequency band and can cause interference to users of the wireless network. These devices include, but are not limited to other IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN devices, cordless telephones, cameras, and audio speakers.

In order to assure the highest level of service to the users of wireless network, the university requests cooperation from all members of the campus community in minimizing the potential interference from those devices. The university requests that use of all other 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices be discontinued in university-owned buildings. In cases where the device is being used for a specific teaching or research application, Information Services will work with faculty to determine whether there are circumstances under which use of the device may still be accommodated without causing interference to wireless network users.

If you think you have an existing system that may use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radios for transmission or you are planning to purchase a wireless device and you are uncertain if it employs 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radios, please contact the Help Desk at 2FIX (2349) or send mail to 2fix@bvu.edu. The Help Desk staff can assist in determining if such devices will cause interference with the wireless network.

See the 2FIX web site for university computing policies, including those related to responsible use of shared resources, such as the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio frequency.