What are the policies for the wireless network?

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville wireless network service is governed by University of Tennessee policies available online at the main UT Policy page and the Information Security Office policy page.

Access Points

Wireless access points and routers not approved by University POA are not allowed on the network. This includes any personally owned wireless routers / access points in residence halls and other buildings. See the UT Policy page and the Information Security Office policy page for more information.

Other Devices that use 2.4 and 5 GHz Radio Frequency

802.11b wireless local area networking uses the FCC unlicensed 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, Medical (ISM) band. 802.11a wireless uses the FCC unlicensed 5 GHz unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) band. Certain other "wireless" devices exist in the market place that also employ the same 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency band and can cause interference to users of the wireless service. These devices include, but are not limited to other wireless LAN devices, cordless telephones, cameras, keyboards, mice, audio speakers, ad-hoc(peer-to-peer) networks, and computers or other device equipped with a wireless card and software to act as an access point.

In order to assure the highest level of service to the users of wireless network, OIT needs help from all members of the campus community in minimizing the potential interference from those devices. OIT requests that use of all other 2.4 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, OIT will work with faculty to determine whether there are circumstances under which use of the device may still be accommodated without causing interference to the wireless community.

If you think you have an existing system that may use 2.4 GHz radios for transmission or you are planning to purchase a wireless system and you are uncertain if it employs 2.4 GHz radios, please contact the OIT HelpDesk at 974-9900 or by using the HelpDesk Contact Form. The Help Desk can assist in determining if such devices will cause interference to the wireless network.