Physical Network Access Policy

Policy Objectives:  The purpose of this policy is to ensure the integrity and stability of the University network and to ensure an integrated and sustained development of the University's telecommunications network, consistent with allocations of resources appropriate to the University's priorities.

Definitions:

University Network: The University network is comprised of the network hardware and infrastructure, and the services to support them, from the data jack to the University's Internet Service Provider's (ISP) connection. The UCONN network begins at the end-user's wall jack and ends where we connect to the Internet.

Policy Statement: 

1. Buildings and Grounds (B&G) has been charged to provide future governance and oversight over network planning within the University, in consideration of strategic directions to be identified by the IT Executive Group.
2. The wiring and electronic components of the network are deemed part of the basic infrastructure and utility services of the University. Installation and maintenance of that network are to be considered part of the "up front" basic required building and renovation costs, and are not considered discretionary options in construction and renovation design. This activity will be funded from University resources (versus departmental operating funds) as part of building project costs.
3. Standards for the network wiring, electrical components and their enclosures are defined by University Information Technology Services (UITS), subject to B&G oversight, and are considered part of the University's "building code" to which installations must conform.
4. Upgrades to our campus network will be done as part of a University-wide Network Master Plan currently being developed.  This Network Master Plan will be coordinated with the University's Building Master Plan and UConn 2000 / 21st Century implementation schedules.
5. Provision will be made in the Network Master Plan for the installation of wireless telecommunication technology on the campus. Wireless technology is considered a supplement to, not a replacement of, hardwire connectivity.  We do not envision in the near term to provide broad-based wireless access to our network from all locations across the campus.  For the foreseeable future, the University expects to implement wireless technology on a case-by-case basis in specific instances (buildings or areas) where that technology is deemed the most appropriate solution to an academic or communications need. If not installed in a coordinated way, each wired/wireless site has the potential of adversely impacting other sites from one location to another. Therefore it is important to all users of wired/wireless technology that this technology be done from a University-wide perspective in order to ensure that each installation is compatible and interfaces properly with our overall network.
6. Units who desire to include wired/wireless access within their operation should include such specifications in their programmatic design reviews with Architecture and Engineering Services.  A&E Services will coordinate such decision-making and design activities with the Building & Grounds Committee, as well as with UITS Network Engineering to ensure conformity with applicable standards for wired/wireless installations.
7. Units desiring to install wired/wireless technology, or to change the programmatic function or use of a room to newly include a wired/wireless activity, and to do so from their own funding, must work directly with UITS Network Engineering for design services and standards requirements.  UITS Network Engineering will thereby ensure that all changes to the wired network conform to applicable standards.
8. Units choosing to install and establish their own security through the use of local firewalls and/or VPNs must allow UITS Network Engineering access through these devices into the active network segments. This will give Network Engineering the ability to see beyond the secure points of the network for diagnosing problems potentially affecting the overall network.
9. Units wishing to design, install and maintain their own network must first submit their designs to UITS Network Engineering for review. This must include the logical and physical design maps. All installations must conform to the standards set forth in the UITS Design Guide and Standards. Before equipment is purchased the requesting entity must submit technical specifications of the equipment to be used in the project for UITS approval to ensure network compatibility and service conformance.
10. Units electing to install and support their own networks, and who require assistance from UITS Network Engineering in that installation and for ongoing support, will be billed for such services at the appropriate prevailing rates. A pre-negotiated network demarcation point will be identified in these cases. UITS Network Engineering will be responsible from the demarcation point out to the network; the unit will be responsible from the demarcation point to the end devices.

Last updated on June 1, 2004