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Computer Network Acceptable Practices and Procedures This document will describe the methods for requesting standard and non-standard computer network connections, acceptable network equipment, the use of departmental networks attached to the campus computer network, and general procedures for acquiring network services. Requesting Computer Network Connections - All requests are initiated using a Telecommunications and Networking (T&N) Service Request Form (SRF), which can be found on-line on the T&N Web page. A standard network connection consists of one Ethernet switched port to host one node (computer, printer, etc.) at any of the campuses, installed for a fixed fee. Special installation circumstances (difficult to install, long distances, fiber connection, etc.) may increase the cost. Indicate on the SRF if a higher speed Ethernet connection is needed or whether there are any special needs. A network analyst will determine if there are any additional costs and the time schedule to install. You may ask for an estimate on the installation to get a more precise cost. Acceptable Network Equipment - T&N will allow computers with IEEE 802.11-compliant Ethernet network interfaces to be connected to the campus computer network. All devices must support the Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) physical connection. The network port will support either half or full duplex. Room cabling is provided as part of the network connection service. NO repeating of the single connection to support multiple devices is allowed. That means NO departmental Ethernet hubs, switches, routers or like equipment may be used. Also, NO associated wiring to interconnect computers. Wireless LAN equipment fits into this category as well, as explained in the T&N WirelessLAN document. “Back door" connections (dial-up modems, ISDN, DSL, cable modem, etc.) to departmental computers that are connected to the campus computer network create a substantial security risk and should be removed. Although circumvention of these practices may provide a short-term benefit they place the computer network and all the other computers at risk of security breach, poor network performance and network failure. It is T&N's job to operate the computer network and with the help of the Information Security Officer, provide the most secure computing environment possible. In order to support the total computer network properly, the T&N staff must be able to monitor and control every network connection within the institution. This is necessary for routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and more importantly these days, security. Routine network topology audits occur and as non-standard configurations are located steps will be taken, in coordination with the department, to bring the configuration into compliance. Departmental Networks - The institutional computer network is divided into many sub-networks (VLANs) for isolating traffic. This grouping of computers into VLANS is done by geographic area but can be done by other criteria. This is the only method provided for grouping of computers. When there are instances where a departmental network is warranted, to improve performance of a high-bandwidth application or provide a higher level of security it can be done using this technology. Departmental or functional area VLANs can be established to provide for this need without the installation of departmental network equipment. Such a request should be initiated by completing a T&N Service Request Form (SRF). A network analyst will then consult with you on your special needs. Special Computer Network Needs - Please contact T&N Customer Support Specialists (TCSS) at extension 7-2061 for any type of computer networking question. They can help you fill out the SRF, answer many of your pre-installation questions, and provide you with help once the network connection is operational. If you have special computer network needs and you think that these needs may violate some of the above-mentioned standard practices, contact the TCSSs. |