Acceptable use of the network

The network at Sidney Sussex College is part of the UDN (University Data Network)(formerly CUDN) and as such is governed by their terms and conditions.

When the UDN is being used to access another network, abuse of the acceptable use policies of that other network is contrary to the Authorisation for Use of the UDN. In particular, acceptable use of JANET is specified by the JANET Acceptable Use Policy.

This policy outlines the acceptable use of the College network. The College will monitor use and non-compliance may result in disciplinary action being taken.

Network usage

Network users should be aware that their network usage may be monitored on a 24/7 basis (as specified by University Information Services [UIS] in Section 8.4b). 

Users who need to download or upload large amounts of data for academic purposes should contact the IT Team at least 24 hours beforehand stating the exact nature of the download and the expected amount of data to be transmitted. The transferring of large amounts of data could trigger an investigation into network usage. If without previous notification a user’s network traffic approaches an excessive amount that causes a detrimental effect on performance for other users, a one-off warning will be sent to the user. The user is expected to desist transmitting data immediately and get in touch with the IT Office via the IT Helpdesk.

Continued excessive network traffic will be investigated and could lead to the user being immediately disconnected. In this situation the user is expected to get in touch with the IT Team. Decisions regarding disconnection will be made on an individual basis based on the nature of the traffic. Excessive non-academic usage of the network (e.g. continuous downloading/streaming of music and/or video files or using file sharing software will usually lead to a disconnection).

The College or University Information Services have the right to remove or disable the UDN connection immediately if it is believed that the user, the Private Network, or any connected equipment is interfering with the proper operation of the UDN or any networks to which the UDN is connected (as specified by UIS in section 8.10). This right will also apply to any devices that are suspected of being infected with malware based on analysis of their network transmissions. It is important to note that it is expected that users and staff keep device operating systems and software up to date and that anti-malware and anti-virus software is installed and also up to date (as specified by UIS in Section 8.7 and Section 8.8).

Users that have been disconnected will be required to visit the IT Team and explain their actions or demonstrate compliance in order to get reconnected. In some circumstances, this may then be referred to the appropriate person such as the Senior Tutor, Dean, Bursar or Master.

Repeat offences and malicious abuse of the network by students will result in a referral to the Dean for disciplinary action. The Fellow IT Officer will liaise with the Dean about the issue of adequate fines. Such behaviour by employees and workers will be referred to the individual’s line manager in the first instance in accordance with the Disciplinary Policy; such behaviour by academic staff will be referred to the Master or the Master’s deputy in accordance with Ordinances relating to disciplinary procedures for academic staff.

Users must follow any further usage rules stipulated by UIS rules as well as the College rules. Further information about copyright and conditions of issue of IP addresses.