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Academic Calendars

Information Technology Services

ResNet Policy


Residential Hall Connections section of Acceptable Use Policy

Network Overview
SUNY Institute of Technology’s Network (SITNet) is a state-of-the-art, high-speed infrastructure that supports a broad range of academic, administrative, and student computing requirements. The network provides more than 4,500 physical connection points as well as wireless access throughout the campus, it represents a major capital investment on the part of the Institute. 

In recent years SUNYIT has invested over $3 Million to enhance its network infrastructure. The network consists of a dedicated 150 MB dedicated gateway connection, multiple Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) backbone connections distributed between campus buildings, campus network connection speeds of 100, 1000 Mbps or greater.  Our latest implementation consisted of wireless internet access throughout the campus.

SUNYIT currently maintains a policy of not blocking Internet content. No specific type of network traffic is denied access unless outlined in policy documents or determined to be detrimental to the network as outlined in any publicly published Internet network security alert. However, elements of traffic control and network security are routinely used and students should be aware that using particular applications on the network may contribute to a degradation of service of their network access. 

In an effort to protect the campus data network we have implemented Network Access Control also known as Cisco Clean Access.  Cisco Clean Access is a network connection and compliance management solution that ensures that computers connecting to the SUNYIT network are protected against malicious threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans as well as known software vulnerabilities that have been exploited. All systems using SUNYIT’s Residence Hall Networks or Wireless Networks must authenticate through this system.

Clean Access Requirments
OS Requirements:
Windows XP , Windows Vista, Windows 7 
Macintosh: 10.4.9 or higher.

Wireless Requirements:
802.11g/n network Interface is required

Requirements enforced by a Clean Access Agent include:


Antivirus software
Symantec, McAfee, and Trend Micro are some of the Antivirus programs approved for use. For a complete list click on the Approved Anti Virus Software link. One of these approved applications must be installed, running and up-to-date. Meaning, if your renewal subscription has expired or if your definitions are out of date, you will be denied network access until this issue is corrected. Symantec Antivirus is provided to all students and staff at no charge. You may download this application before you arrive at http://symantec.sunyit.edu/ .

Antispyware software
In addition to Antivirus software, we require the use of an AntiSpyware utility.

There are many free applications that handle the removal of such malicious software, these include:

Ad-Aware
SpyBot Search and Destroy
Microsoft Defender

All Microsoft Critical Updates for your OS
SUNYIT requires your machine to be current with all related critical updates for your Microsoft OS. Meaning, if you have, for example, Windows XP, you must have Service Pack 2 installed and all critical updates released post SP2. For whichever updates your Microsoft OS requires, detailed instructions are provided to correct the issue.

Automatic Updates Enabled
Automatic Updates must be enabled to ensure your machine receives, all critical updates in a timely manner. If you fail this requirement, step-by-step instructions are provided via the Clean Access Agent.

**Computers running Macintosh and Linux OS are required to install the agent for authentication purposes only.

ResNet Connections - PC Recommendations
The minimum system requirements for SUNYIT's Residential Halls are posted in the requirement section of the ResNet Connection policy manual. Because some students choose to purchase new computers for school we have constructed a new PC recommendation site to aid students and parents in choosing a new PC.

SUNYIT purchases Dell and HP computer systems for the vast majority of its facility and staff offices, however students are free to purchase any brand computer they wish.

Resident Student PC Recommendations:

PC

Hardware

Technology Type

Minimum Recommendation

CPU

Intel Core i5 2400 Processor (or better)

RAM

4 MB

Hard Drive

500 GB

Video Card

Integrated Graphics Card

Ports

  • USB 2.0
  • Firewire (optional)
  • eSATA (optional)

Audio

  • Internal Speakers
  • Internal Soundcard

Network Access

  • 10/100/1000 Network Card
  • Wireless 802.11g or Wireless 802.11n (which is backward compatible)

Software

Type of Technology

Recommendation

Operating System

  • Windows 7 Home Premium (or better), 32/64-bit

Productivity Tools

  • Microsoft Office 2010 (PC)

Web Browser

  • Internet Explorer 9
  • Firefox 4.x

E-mail Programs

  • SUNYIT email is Web based

Virus/Anti-spyware Protection

  • Your choice

External Storage Devices

  • 8.0 GB flash drive (minimum)
  • External hard drive (minimum size double to your internal drive)

Printing

  • Color Printer (your choice)

Mac

Hardware

Type of Technology

Minimum Recommendation

Model Recommendation

  • MacBook Pro i5

RAM

  • 4GB

Hard Drive

  • 320GB

Video Card

  • Standard video card that is built-in

Ports

  • USB 2.0
  • Firewire
  • Thunderbolt

Audio

  • Internal Speakers
  • Internal Soundcard

Network Access

  • Built-in wireless 802.11b/g/n
  • Standard Ethernet network card that is built-in

 

Software

Type of Technology

Recommendation

Operating System

  • Mac OS X 10.6.7 or newer

Productivity Tools

  • Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac

Web Browser

  • Firefox 4.X
  • Safari 5.X

E-mail Programs

  • SUNYIT email is web based

Virus/Anti-spyware Protection

  • Your choice

External Storage Devices

  • 8.0 GB flash drive (minimum)
  • External hard drive (minimum size double to your internal drive)

Printing

  • Color Printer (your choice)

ResNet Connections - Installation
ITS Help Desk personnel will install/configure a student-purchased Network Interface Card (NIC) into a student’s computer system for the sole purpose of accessing our network. ITS will also provide an appropriate RJ-45 data cable for connecting the student’s computer to the wall jack.

In addition to the physical installation, Help Desk personnel may assist in installing and configuring a standard set of software that provides access to the main college-owned academic computing systems and general campus user computing services, as well as, Internet access. The assistance is limited to software providing SSH for secure shell and file transfers, Web Browser, On-campus E-mail access and campus owned Anti-virus/OS update patching services. No other software installation or application trouble-shooting, including OS installations or repair, will be the responsibility of ITS Help Desk personnel or SUNYIT at large.

Each individual student is responsible for the proper operation of their PC and will be resonsible for maintianing current Anti Virus and Anti Spyware.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that their computer system does not adversely degrade the network because of virus/worm infections or malicious code, nor compromise the network because of system security vulnerabilities or compromised “hacked” systems.

Symantec Client Security software is available for student owned computers free of charge.

ResNet Connections - Procedure
Service requests should be made on-line through the ITS Request Tracker. Requests are honored only if submitted by the individual student requiring the service. To enter requests please use the following method:

  • ITS Helpdesk Ticketing System – Login to the Request Tracker with your SITNet ID and Password. Choose "ResNet" from the links menu to bring up the ticket.
    In your ticket include:
      Your Full Name
      SUNYIT Dormitory Phone Number
      Complex (Adirondack or Mohawk)
      Building
      Suite
      Room
      Physical Address (MAC address) of your network card

    Click "Create ticket" to submit it.
Help Desk personnel will respond to each service request as soon as possible. They may have to schedule a personal appointment with you, at your convenience, in order to complete necessary technical work.

Please note that at the beginning of the academic year, there are a limited number of technicians available for connecting more than 600 computer systems to the network and therefore, there may be a service delay for installations. Request Tracker tickets will be processed in the order in which they were received.

Please refrain from multiple service calls unless several days have passed without contact. Students should be aware that support personnel will move on to other installations if they can not establish a confirmed service call time with you, or if they have not obtained all the proper information to complete a successful installation.

ITS Help Desk personnel are not allowed to service any computer system without permission and physical presence, at the time of service, of the owner of the specified system.

ResNet Connections - Restrictions on Use
Wired and Wireless Internet access is provided in the Residence Halls.  Access to the network requires the use of your SITNet ID and password.  Your computer is also required to pass a set of security checks.  Information on these requirements can be found at

Wired Access is provided in each assigned student room.  Wireless access is provided throughout the campus. Only one system may be connected to the wired jack at any time. 

***Use of personal Access Points, Routers, Switches or Hubs is prohibited.

 
Network connections may not be used:

  • In contravention of SUNYIT’s Acceptable Use Policy. (Students should read and understand this document).
  • To attach personally owned communication hubs or switches directly to the college network.
  • Students may not run their own: 
       Public IP sub-networks
       Private IP sub-networks
       Network Translation (NAT) Services
  • Students may not establish telephone dial-up services.
  • To run a web server, Windows/NT Server, Windows 2000/2003 Server, Novell NetWare Server, or UNIX file server without the express written consent of the Director of Information Technology Services.
  • To provide anonymous FTP services or any other user service that does not authenticate a user with password protected access. (Generic user Ids and passwords associated with these services will be considered anonymous and are prohibited.)
  • With an IP address other than the one assigned to the student for the registered machine in the registered location.
  • To provide any proxy application services or configurations intended to bypass any network security feature.
  • To provide any DHCP, BOOTP, DNS, mail exchange services or any other IP/TCP/UDP port service that the Institution deems dangerous to network security or performance.
  • To establish, program or register their IP address to obtain a DNS alias name and/or DNS MX record.
  • To utilize an excess amount of available bandwidth disproportionate to network total usage. The determined level at which a student is considered an excessive user is at the sole discretion of ITS department and may vary depending on current network traffic conditions or network status.
  • In contravention of any federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation.

Student computers running the UNIX operating system (including derivatives of Linux or FreeBSD), as well as, other restricted “Server” operating system versions listed, must be registered prior to operation.

Information Technology Services maintains a list of network TCP/IP services that are not permitted because of network degradation, security, or similar concerns. This list will be e-mailed to owners of registered “Server” systems, and amendments will be similarly e-mailed as issued.

Students permitted to run such systems agree not to run prohibited services without the express written consent of the Director of Information Technology Services.

Support
The ITS Help Desk provides support for dormitory network connections. Requests for service should be directed to the ITS Request Tracker system, http://rt.sunyit.edu. Requests for service are only to be submitted by the student who owns the computer system, and legitimately occupies the room in which the system is located.

SUNYIT makes every effort to provide appropriate and timely assistance consistent with its available resources. However, it reserves the right to deny network services to any student without notice. Service may be terminated for the following reasons:
  • Users who violate institutional policies outlined in the “Acceptable Use Policy” or policies contained herein.
  • Users who repeatedly alter their computer configuration in such a manner as to disrupt or destroy hardware or software configurations necessary for enabling network access.
  • Users who repeatedly degrade network performance due to unclean machine conditions such as virus, worm, trojan horse or malicious code infections, or attaching an improperly secured system requiring system software patches.
  • Users who fail to respond to notifications of Copyright violation under the guidelines of the 1998 “Digital Millennium Copyright Act”.
  • Users who treat support personnel in a rude, abusive or otherwise inappropriate manner.
The Information Technology Services Help Desk will provide support for residence hall services. The Residential Life staff (professional personnel, RAs, etc.) are not trained to deal with computing or telecommunications problems and it is not appropriate to seek support from these individuals. Likewise, in order to maintain services in labs and offices, other ITS personnel will not be directly involved in support of the Residence Hall program. Callers requesting assistance directly from ITS will be instructed to redirect their inquiry to the ITS Help Desk.

SUNYIT makes every effort to keep the data network up and available. It assumes no liability for times when the network or parts thereof are unavailable. Resident students should be aware that SUNYIT does not employ second, third, or weekend shift staff, and a network disruption that occurs after normal business hours may not receive complete attention until the start of the next business day. 

Security
SUNYIT’s data network is used for many important activities including interoffice communication, electronic mail, Internet access and support for numerous classroom laboratory environments. It is essential that the network be maintained in a secure and reliable state. To this end, Information Technology Services has installed and configured data communications equipment that prevents some forms of malicious behavior from compromising the integrity of the data network.

Users should be aware that despite the presence of these safeguards, attaching a personal computer to the campus network involves some level of risk. Most problems are due to the student’s lack of sophistication regarding the protection and management of their own system leading to a data compromise or undesired system access by other individuals.

Additionally, students should be reluctant to have their systems configured by unqualified third parties such as friends or fellow classmates. Unintended results may occur when third parties are not fully knowledgeable about the Institution’s networked environment.

SUNYIT assumes no liability for personal data loss or unwanted data proliferation due to unsecured system configurations, misconfigured or virus infected systems.

Data communications equipment installed by ITS has been programmed with the following restrictions:
  • All student dormitory connections implement data eavesdrop prevention. No student has the capability to read network traffic produced by any other computer system on the network. However institutional personnel may employ sniffing techniques while conducting investigations involving network performance, security, or where there is reason to believe that a violation of policy has occurred.
  • SITNet addresses (IP addresses) are issued electronically during the bootup of the student’s computer system. The address assignment is controlled through the use of special computers called DHCP servers that are located on the campus network. Attempts to alter PC configurations in a way that changes or conceals the IP address is prohibited. Such attempts are also automatically recorded and easily traced.
  • In addition to IP addresses, registered computers are assigned a unique name. Names are automatically managed through a Domain Name System (DNS) server.

    Altering or bypassing this service is prohibited. In the event that a computer does not get a host name programmed into the campus DNS server, many Internet Web sites will not service requests from that computer.

    Additionally, unregistered hosts are automatically denied access to all of the college’s central time-share systems.
  • Consistent with SUNYIT’s Acceptable Use Policy, ITS reserves the right to monitor network activity in compliance with its “...responsibility to take action against abusers of computing resources.”
    ITS personnel may use other tools and programmed devices to investigate unusual network traffic patterns that indicate probable violation of institutional policies.

    Students found using excessive bandwidth will have their connections automatically restricted to a reduced traffic throughput level without prior warning or notification. More severe policy infractions may result in the immediate disconnection of service without prior warning or notification.

    It is important that a student understand all the possible implications of installing any new operating systems, software packages, network utility programs, or peer-to-peer file sharing programs onto their system. The outcome of such installations may result in an unsafe system condition and subsequent network termination.

Cooperation with Law Enforcement Authorities
It is the policy of SUNYIT to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local authorities in the conduct of criminal investigations. Furthermore, students are reminded that SUNYIT will file criminal complaints against those who access or use the Institution’s data network in excess of authority, or in the conduct of any other criminal act.

Matters involving illegal use of SUNYIT’s data network should be directed to the Office of University Police, which will fully investigate all complaints, and where evidence of criminal activity exists, will alert the New York State Police or other appropriate law enforcement agency.

It is the policy of SUNYIT to cooperate with all copyright entities registering complaints, within the guidelines issued in the “Online Copyright Infringe Liability Limitation Act”, to notify users of our data network that they are in violation of the “Digital Millennium Copyright Act”.