SC Network Policy

SCinet will strive to make the best network resources available for users throughout the SC Conference. Each year we make improvements to the service, working in partnership with the local convention center IT staff.

Users of these services and facilities have access to valuable conference resources, and to internal and external networks. Consequently, it is important for all users to behave in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner. Acceptable use means respecting the rights of other network users and maintaining the integrity of the physical facilities. If an individual is found to be in violation of the Network Use Policy, SC will take action, including possible revocation of network privileges.

All of SC’s networking resources are provided through SCinet. This includes multiple terabits of wired bandwidth delivered to meeting rooms and exhibitor booths, as well as the wireless network that permeates the convention center.

Read more details regarding the Network Use Policy.

Wired and Wireless Access

SC Conference attendees are among the most connected conference-goers in the world and put even the most sophisticated wireless networks to the test. We apologize in advance if you experience any connection difficulties in certain areas due to reduced signal strength, network congestion, or other issues. SCinet actively monitors the health of the wireless networks and will make every effort to provide stable and reliable service.

Additional Wired Network Policy Details

SCinet can facilitate wired connections to exhibitors, delivered via fiber optic cables on the Exhibits floor, when they are ordered and paid for through the SCinet Connection Request System (CRS). Connections include 1/10/100 Gigabit Ethernet, dark fiber between distinct locations, and virtual circuit options. Get more information on the CRS.

Additional Wireless Network Policy Details

SCinet deploys two primary SSIDs for the conference: SC22 and eduroam. SC22 is an unencrypted open network and does not require authentication. Eduroam is available for users who have this service configured through their home institutions. Both SSIDs will be available throughout the conference venue.

SCinet deploys IEEE 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac wireless networks that enable basic access to the internet at no charge to attendees. The wireless network will extend to meeting rooms, the Exhibits Hall, and all common areas of the space occupied by the SC Conference.

In order to provide the most robust wireless service possible, SCinet has some special policies in place. SCinet must control the entire 2.4GHz and 5.2GHz ISM bands (2.412GHz to 2.462GHz and 5.15GHz to 5.35GHz) within the convention center. This has important implications for exhibitors and attendees:

• Exhibitors and attendees may not operate their own IEEE 802.11 (a, g, n, ac or other standard) wireless Ethernet access points anywhere within the convention center, including within their own booths. This includes personal hotspots, myfi, or other WiFi-to-cellular bridges.
• Wireless clients may not operate in ad-hoc or peer-to-peer mode due to the potential for interference with other wireless clients.
• Exhibitors and attendees may not operate 2.4GHz or 5.2GHz cordless phones or microphones, wireless video or security cameras, or any other equipment transmitting in the 2.4GHz or 5.2GHz spectrum.

SCinet wants everyone to have a successful, pleasant experience at the SC Conference. This should include the ability to sit down with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone to check email or surf the web from anywhere in the wireless coverage areas. Please help us achieve this goal by not operating equipment that will interfere with other users.

SC reserves the right to deny or remove access to any system in violation of the SCinet Network Use Policy and to anyone who uses multicast applications or harms the network in any way, intended or unintended, via computer virus, excessive bandwidth consumption, or similar misuse.