Network Cellular Extenders are a class of devices sold by mobile network providers to resolve cellular coverage issues by intercepting and re-routing wireless telephone calls over the Internet. As a security measure, these devices only work with cell-phones that have been deliberately associated to the device. Cell phones that aren't explicitly associated to the device are not able to make calls except for 911 calls.
These devices are unsupported by MCAD ITS, due to their effect on MCAD's Internet bandwidth, the support commitment due to multiple network carriers, and the basic principal that these devices utilize MCAD resources to solve the Cellular network provider's coverage issues.
However, given proper authorization, ITS may make accommodations to enable the use of these devices on a case-by-case basis. Authorization from the Director of ITS, Network Administrator, Director of Student Housing, or select senior management is required to enable the use of these devices in any location on the MCAD campus, including: the Main building, Morrison, Library/Liberal Arts, Student Housing, and the Whittier studios. The authorization for these devices must be explicitly renewed each year.
A member of the MCAD community may request to use one of these devices by sending an email to computer_support@mcad.edu. The request will then be reviewed and the requester will be notified within 5 business days whether the request was approved or if further information needs to be provided.
An active ethernet port is required for the operation of these devices.
The accommodations ITS will provide to enable the use of Network Cellular Extenders, include:
- supporting the device on MCAD's network for the current school-year
- assigning the device a static IP address
- a guarantee of 400Kbps of Internet bandwidth per device