Date: February 15, 2007
To: UCOP Community
From: Michael Shannon, Manager, IR&C Communication Services
During the past few weeks, many of you have reported problems with the UCOP wireless network in the Franklin building. We are troubleshooting the problem and have made several software updates. During this process, we have identified computers using the wireless network to download extremely large files.
The download or upload of large files overburdens the wireless network, making it impossible for individuals to successfully access the system for business purposes. The UC Electronic Communications Policy specifically does not permit any personal use that "interferes with the University's operation of electronic communications resources " (see http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/policies/ec/html/pp081805ecp.html#D%20ALLOW).
Please note that we do not monitor the network for content. However, we do manage it centrally for usage and, as a result, have seen file downloads as high as 300 gigabytes and uploads as large as 56 gigabytes over a period of 24 hours. As a reference point, a DVD quality movie is approximately 5 to 6 gigabytes. This strongly indicates that people are using our network for filesharing. Such personal use of the data networks (wireless or wired) violates the UC Electronic Communications Policy. If you have a legitimate, business need for this level of network demand, you should contact me directly so IR&C; may make arrangements that better serve your needs.
We request that managers and staff assess their use of the UCOP networks and ensure that these resources are used appropriately in accordance with University policy.
