Proposed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Airspace Rules

In compliance with the Airspace Regulation and Airspace Policy, these rules explain the methods for requesting help and approval to install a wireless device operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz airspace.

I. Non-Residential Areas

A customer who wishes to install a personally-owned wireless device in a non-residential area on campus must first send an email to network@ncsu.edu with the following information:

  • Your contact information
  • Building
  • Desired coverage area (such as room number)
  • Device description
  • The frequency band in which the device operates

This email will initiate a review process to determine whether ComTech wireless data networking equipment exists in and near the desired coverage area. If ComTech does not have equipment nearby or the device will not interfere with nearby equipment, ComTech will grant the user permission to install the wireless device under the Rules for Implementing Wireless Networks at NC State.

However, suppose ComTech must subsequently install wireless data networking equipment that will interact with the previously approved equipment in that area. In that case, ComTech reserves the right to invalidate the previous wireless device approval. ComTech will invalidate prior permission only when there is no practical channel configuration that will avoid interference. In such a case, ComTech will notify the original requester as soon as possible about the interference and will specify a deadline for removing the device. The requester will be given a minimum of 30 days’ notice.

When a customer wants to install a wireless device that will interfere with a ComTech wireless data networking device, ComTech will attempt to find a channel configuration that will allow for co-existence. If interference can be avoided, the customer will be granted permission to install the wireless device in question using the channel assignments specified by ComTech; otherwise, the request will be denied.

A denied or invalidated request may be appealed to the Infrastructure Sub-Committee of the University Information Technology Committee. To be placed on a Sub-Committee meeting agenda, please contact the chairperson, Greg Sparks, at greg_sparks@ncsu.edu.

II. University Housing and Greek Village

All University housing, Greek Village, and ES King village have pervasive wireless coverage. Therefore residents are prohibited from installing personal wireless access points.

Following the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Airspace Regulation, if a personally-owned device interferes at any time with university-installed equipment, the customer will be notified via email about the interference and will be required to reconfigure the device so that it does not interfere with the university’s equipment. In addition, a personally-owned device that interferes with university-installed equipment may be blocked from the network.