In 2002, the CBOT installed the master antenna system (MAS) on the trading floors to facilitate the use of wireless local area networks by all market participants. The MAS was designed to alleviate the need for each interested member firm to design, purchase, install, and maintain its own wireless network antennas on the trading floor as well as to significantly increase the number of wireless devices that could be used by the trading community.

As part of that process, the Exchange is re-iterating its general policy on the use of wireless devices/software on the trading floor. The policy is as follows:

1.         Only wireless LANs that have been approved by the Exchange’s Technology and Data Products group are allowed on the trading floors.

2.         The use of any devices/software that monitor, sniff, probe, access or otherwise ‘see’ wireless networks is strictly prohibited.

3.         No 2.4 Ghz or 5 Ghz cordless phones (i.e. those with a base station and handset) or wireless gaming systems of any kind are permitted on the trading floors. Cellular phones with Bluetooth™ disabled are permissible.

4.         The use of Bluetooth ™ ¹or similar technologies on the trading floor is strictly prohibited.All members, member firms and their staffs are under an affirmative obligation to ensure that Bluetooth has been disabled on any device that they utilize on the trading floors.

5.         The majority of PDA’s, laptops and Tablet PCs now being sold have wireless network adapters (802.11b/g and/or 802.11a) built in at the factory. These adapters must be in an “OFF” state in order for these devices to be brought onto the Trading Floor. If you need assistance in determining the state of the adapter, please call the FTS Help Desk at 347-5611 and a CBOT Network representative will meet you on the Floor to provide assistance.

Strict adherence to these policies is required to ensure a clean wireless environment on the trading floor. Non-compliance with these policies will be referred to the Business Conduct Committee for possible disciplinary action. As a reminder, members and member firms are responsible for their employees, vendors and guests while they are on the trading floor.

As a reminder, the CBOT recommends that all master antenna subscribers implement appropriate wireless security measures such as VPN in transmitting their sensitive data.

Questions can be directed to Tom McCabe at 341-3121 or John Vanderbleek at 789-8983.

¹ Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication protocol that is currently being built into a number of devices including cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) that enables communication between devices over a short distance.