Proposed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Airspace Regulation

In compliance with the Airspace Policy for non-licensed frequencies, this regulation for the governance of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz airspace has been implemented to preserve the security, utility, and flexibility of the campus wireless data network. Communication Technologies shall be the authoritative body presiding over the use of these frequency ranges to fulfill the university’s mission for data networking.

Section I. Before installing any non-client wireless networking device, the installing department must identify what frequency the device uses and if it will broadcast in the frequencies mentioned above. If so, then ComTech must be contacted to help determine if the device will cause interference with the ComTech wireless data network. If ComTech approves the installation of the device, the device must be configured as specified by ComTech. Failure to do so will result in the device being subject to removal under Section III of this regulation.

Section II. Personal access points in residence halls, Greek Village, and ES King Village must be registered through the ResNet registration system rather than directly with ComTech. In addition, the device must be configured according to ResNet specifications found at Personal Wireless Access Point.

Section III. In the event a private device broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz range interferes with a ComTech-supported device, ComTech has the right to remove the interfering device from the affected area, based on the following established priority:

  1. Anything deemed a university initiative (including but not limited to the campus wireless data network) shall be assigned the highest priority.
  2. Departmental initiatives (e.g., medical equipment, research projects, classroom technology) shall be the next highest priority.
  3. Personal convenience technologies such as cordless phones operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and individual wireless access points shall have the lowest priority.

Appeals to a ComTech decision can be brought before the Infrastructure Sub-Committee of the University Information Technology Committee.

Section IV. Interference caused by devices radiating in the covered frequencies affecting production systems will be addressed case-by-case. These cases will be handled under the 2.4 and 5 GHz Airspace rules.