Wireless Access Points
The UNLV wireless network enables the university’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors to connect to the Internet anywhere on campus. The increased mobility and flexibility of network connectivity is due to thousands of authorized and secure wireless access points installed in campus buildings and outdoor areas.
All wireless access points (WAPs) are installed, managed, and maintained by the UNLV Office of Information Technology (OIT). As stated in the Wireless Network Policy and Network Access Compliance Policy, no one should connect their own WAP to the university network. UNLV wireless standards and policies alleviate risks, including those that can be caused by non-sanctioned WAPs.
OIT designs and operates the UNLV wireless network to include multiple WAPs in each academic and administrative building and outdoor areas. The system is carefully designed and constructed to ensure a reliable and secure wireless environment for all to use. When a rogue WAP is used, the system can be compromised.
Unauthorized WAPs can cause radio frequency interference with campus wireless devices and equipment. As a result, the interference degrades the university’s wireless network and may cause connectivity problems for students, faculty, staff, and sponsored guests trying to use it.
Because the official UNLV wireless network is reliable, stable, and secure, it helps protect the university from potential cyber threats. Using an unapproved WAP makes the university, its data, and users more vulnerable to hackers, data breaches, and other cyber attacks.
When someone connects a non-sanctioned WAP to the UNLV wireless network, that individual is personally responsible for everyone who uses it to gain access to the campus network and the internet. Not only is the WAP owner responsible for the network traffic, they are also liable for any unlawful or malicious activities.
Wireless Access Points Compliance
In addition to urging the UNLV community to follow wireless policies, OIT’s Information Security Office (ISO) conducts periodic wireless network audits to ensure there are no rogue WAPs present. The ISO has the right to disable or remove, without notice, any unauthorized WAPs connected to the network that puts the university’s systems, data, and users at risk.
Campus Wireless Improvements
OIT is in the process of installing more authorized WAPs on campus. It is part of an overall upgrade project that is going to enhance wireless speeds and connectivity for users. A list of current wireless hotspots is available online.