RSM 3, Section 2600: DORS Wireless Networks

Updated: 03/21

2601 Purpose of DORS Wireless Networks

The Division has installed wireless networks (WLAN or WiFi) throughout Argonne Drive and all field office locations, excluding DDS. The WiFi contains two separate networks (VLANs), one for Staff and one for Guest Access. The Staff WiFi network provides access to the same resources as the wired network. The Guest network is restricted to Internet browsing only.

2602 Terminology

1. 802.11 – The set of standards that define communication for wireless local area networks (LANs).

2. Wireless Network (WiFi) – A wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections.

3. SSID – A unique ID that consists of 32 characters and is used for naming wireless networks.

4. VLAN – Virtual Local Area Networks are a solution to allow separate users into individual network segments for security and other reasons.

5. VPN – Virtual Private Network is a network that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organization’s network.

2603 DORS Staff Network

1. Usage:

1. This WiFi network was established as an alternate means for staff to access the DORS Network.

2. To access this network, staff must first have a wireless network adapter in their laptop or PC. For staff who require access through this wireless network but do not have a wireless adapter in their computer, a request must be processed through the same channels as other computer requisitions (see Section 2504).

3. In order to access the wireless network, the computer must be one purchased by DORS (have an MSDE Property barcode) and be registered in Active Directory. Personal devices are restricted from accessing this network, as well as the wired network.

4. Individuals accessing the wireless staff network must be a current member of DORS staff and have an active username in Active Directory.

5. Staff can access this network from any DORS location without requiring additional user authentication.

6. An MSDE VPN account is still required for staff needing to access DORS network outside the boundaries of a DORS office.

7. For security reasons, the DORS wireless network is not broadcast, meaning that anyone trying to access this network must first know the SSID before connecting.

8. See Attachment 2600-1 for specific procedures to access the DORS wireless staff network.

2. Staff Responsibilities:

1. All policies pertaining to proper use of the DORS network also apply to the WiFi network (see Section 2400).

2. The staff WiFi network contains the same web filtering policies as the wired network.

3. DORS Management Information Services (MIS) reserves the right to monitor use of this network.

4. Since the WiFi network encompasses the boundaries of all DORS offices and all DORS computers have the capability to connect wirelessly to the network, no additional cabling requests will be processed in any DORS location unless pre-approved by the Administration & Financial Services Director.

2604 DORS Guest Network

1. Usage:

1. The primary purpose of the Guest network is to provide professional visitors access to the Internet provided they have a wireless adapter. This network is also available for consumers and guests of consumers to use while visiting a DORS office.

2. The Guest network prohibits access to anything on DORS or the Maryland State Department of Education’s network. Only access to the Internet is permitted.

3. Use of the Guest network by DORS staff to circumvent DORS web filtering policies for entertainment purposes or personal social networking is strictly prohibited.

4. A network adaptor of 802.11 b/g or greater is required to connect to the Guest network.

2. Procedures and Responsibilities:

1. Accessing the Guest network requires connection to the SSID (DORS_Guest), a username of DorsGuest (case sensitive) and a password. The password will change weekly. MIS will use the field office and WTC mailboxes to distribute the weekly passwords.

2. Before proceeding to the Internet all guests will be directed to a web portal where they must agree to DORS terms of Internet usage.

3. Under normal circumstances, MIS will not be responsible for troubleshooting connectivity to the Guest network.

4. DORS MIS reserves the right to monitor the use of the Guest network.

5. See Attachment 2600-2 for specific procedures related to Guest Access to the Wireless network.