Georgetown University
Computer Systems Acceptable Use Policy
Guidelines on Network Extension Devices
These guidelines pertain to the Computer Systems Acceptable Use Policy, "Responsibilities: 1. Functionality and Availability."
Any type of device designed to "extend" network access is not permitted to connect to the Georgetown network. A good rule of thumb is, if you can plug another device into it, you can't plug it into the network.
There are several reasons for restricting the use of devices that extend the network. These devices make tracking down infected machines harder when Georgetown does not know what is behind the ports. It allows unauthorized access to the Georgetown network by non-Georgetown-related machines. It can also cause outages affecting entire groups of students, floors, or buildings.
Exmples of banned network extension devices include:
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Wireless Access Points
- Switches
- Routers
- Hubs
- Ethernet splitters
- Any layer 2 device that allows more than one ethernet device to use any given port at the same time
Examples of permitted "end devices" include:
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Computers
- Xboxes/PlayStation 2s (PS2s)
- TiVos or other digital video recorders (DVRs) with network access
- Printers with ethernet interfaces
Users that need additional network ports may choose to follow a university procedure to submit a request. The University Information Security Office periodically inspects switches on the university network and disables ports where
multiple devices are connected simultaneously. There is typically no notice made before the port where the device is connected is disabled, although a ticket is generated afterwards.
Please contact the University Information Security Office with questions via email at security at georgetown.edu or by phone at (202) 687-3031.
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