Welcome to the University at Albany network. The UA network is a community resource and supports the academic, research and business functions of the University. These standards are written to provide all users with basic information for connecting devices to the network.

First of all, become familiar with the Responsible Use of IT Policy (http://www.albany.edu/policies/computer_usage/).

Any device (workstation, desktop, laptop, hand-held, etc.) connecting to the University at Albany campus network must comply with the following standards:

•  The operating system (OS) must be currently supported and have all updates, patches and fixes to protect against known vulnerabilities. Where possible, automated updates should be enabled.  
  
•  Be free of malware (viruses, trojans, worms, bots, spyware, etc.). For more information on current vulnerabilities, visit www.albany.edu/itsand check "System Alerts."
  
• Have an installed, operational, antivirus program with up-to-date virus definition files. The highest level of antivirus protection is provided if you activate the auto-update feature. ITS has a site license for antivirus software. For further information or to download a copy visit www.albany.edu/itsand choose "Software" in the Browse/Request an IT Service field.
  
• Complex passwords must be used on any device connected to the University network.
  
• The use of an installed and operational firewall--especially if it is supplied with the operating system--is strongly encouraged.

If your device meets these criteria and you have a valid University at Albany NetID, you're ready to connect. The network supports connections from wired (network jack) locations, wireless access points across campus and off-campus locations (home, hotels, etc.) Use the chart below as a guide to the appropriate connection procedure.

Types of devices/connections Students	UAlbany-owned device	Personally-owned device
On Campus (residential dorms)		Register using Apogee registration process.
On Campus (wired)		Contact faculty/staff sponsor
On Campus (wireless)		Connect using WPA client software.
Off Campus		Requires use of commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Faculty/Staff
On Campus (wired)	Register using NetReg or see your technical coordinator	Register using NetReg
On Campus (wireless)	Connect using WPA client software
Off Campus	Requires use of commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP). Note: VPN client software needed to access Windows file server resources.

Remote Access to the Network:

Members of the University community can access resources on the network remotely. Access to certain resources (e.g. Windows file server shares) requires the use of VPN client software, which maintains a secure connection. VPN client software is available to the campus community free of charge and can be downloaded from www.albany.edu/its. Versions are available for Microsoft Windows, Linux and MAC OS X operating systems.

Suspension of Network Access:

The University at Albany network is a community resource. The network is monitored regularly for unusual traffic activity and connected devices are subject to periodic scanning for known vulnerabilities and exploits. The Office of the CIO reserves the right to suspend the network access of any device connected to the network that represents a threat to the confidentiality, integrity or availability of University information assets, including systems which are not compliant with University policy, regulatory or legal requirements. Such suspension shall include notification to the registered user. See also UA Information Security Policy.

For more information on connecting devices to the University network, please visit www.albany.edu/its and choose " IT Policies" at the bottom of the page.

New scheduled review: January '09