REGARDING THE PROPOSAL TO ALLOW DEPARTMENTS TO SHARE CNS CLOSET SPACE

During Spring 2000 semester, the network subcommittee discussed a proposal to allow departments to share CNS closet space to house servers. Current CNS policy prohibits this, but several departments would like to seek exceptions in cases where there isn't suitable, air-conditioned space available for a server. In most cases, this would be seen as a temporary arrangement. Unfortunately, the group could not reach any consensus regarding this issue. Outlined below are the roadblocks to reaching agreement which we found.

• Some communications closets aren't that big. If departmental servers are located there, there could be an issue in the future related to storing communications equipment. This could limit CNS's ability to upgrade the network in that location.
• While the request may be for a temporary location for a departmental server, temporary sometimes can turn in to permanent.
• CNS has concerns about security in this shared arrangement. These concerns impact both the communications equipment and the departmental server. In general, the fewer people with access to CNS's communications equipment, the better. Additionally, CNS does not want to be in a position of having access to departmental servers. A possible solution of "locked cages" was suggested.
• If the closet services multiple departments, the issues around security and accountability are even more pointed. Also, it seems unfair to allow one department to locate a server in there.
• In general, when many people have access to a communications closet, it can lead to problems. Some solutions suggested were posting of a "signup sheet" and creating a procedure where anyone entering the closet must sign in, or giving prior warning of room entry to the building manager.
• In reality, there are some servers located in closets currently. However, there isn't a well-established procedure, and nobody knows what criteria is used to allow or disallow these arrangements. How can we clarify and make a more structured arrangement?
• There was some concern regarding whether departments would want to locate servers in CNS racks in communications closets.
• Space, especially air-conditioned space, is at a premium. This the primary reason for departments making such a request.

In general, it is noted that the issues that lead to disagreement around closet sharing all relate to security and accountability when multiple groups have access to a single space with sensitive equipment.