Use of Wireless LAN Equipment on the Trading Floors

CME Group offers connections to a Common Wireless Infrastructure (known as CWI) on the trading floors to facilitate the use of wireless local area networks (LAN) by all market participants.  The CWI 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 floors as well as to significantly increase the number of wireless devices that could be used by the trading floor community.  Harmonized CME and CBOT Rule 507 (“Electronic Devices”) concerns the use of electronic devices on the trading floors.  The text of Rule 507 appears on Page 2 of this Advisory Notice.

This Advisory Notice is being issued as a reminder to the trading floor community of CME Group’s general policy on the use of wireless devices/software on the trading floors.  The policy is as follows:

1.   Only wireless LANs that have been approved by the Exchange 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, provided that Bluetooth™ technology has been disabled, are permissible.

4.   The use of Bluetooth or 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 being used 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 floors.  If you need assistance in determining the state of the adapter, please call the Floor Technology Support Help Desk at 312.347.5611 and a staff Network representative will meet you on the trading floor to provide assistance.

The use of any unauthorized wireless communication equipment on the trading floors is strictly prohibited.  Violation of these policies may result in disciplinary action and unauthorized wireless equipment will be immediately disconnected and removed from the trading floors.   

Individuals interested in wireless computer connectivity can obtain an application for the CWI Network from the Technology Customer Service desk located east of the outtrade area.

If you have any questions, please contact Brian Linker in Trading Floor Technology Support at 312.347.5611, Randall Bobula in Network Services at 312.466.7461, or Robert Sniegowski in the Market Regulation Department at 312.341.5991. 

Rule 507 – (“Electronic Devices”)

507.A.         General Provisions

The use of any electronic device on the trading floor is prohibited unless such device and/or usage has been authorized by the Exchange.  For purposes of this rule, the term “electronic device” shall mean any type of voice or data communications interface, including but not limited to a computer, headset, hand-held device, microphone, telephone, or two-way radio.  No Member (as defined in Rule 400) shall permit others to use any electronic device unless such use has been authorized by the Exchange.  In using an electronic device, such Member shall retain any audit trail data in accordance with applicable Exchange rules and CFTC regulations.

507.B.         Terms and Conditions of Use

The Exchange may, in its sole discretion, impose restrictions on the use of any authorized electronic device by any Member.  The Exchange may limit, suspend or terminate any Member's right to use any authorized electronic device at any time, without prior notice and without any liability to the Exchange.

The Exchange shall have the right, at any time, to audit the use of any authorized electronic device by any Member.

The Exchange accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to any equipment authorized for use by a Member on Exchange premises.

507.C.         Electronic Surveillance

The Exchange may intercept and record any electronic communication received or sent from the trading floor to ensure compliance with Exchange Rules.  Exchange members, their employees, and all others who are granted access to the trading floor consent, as a condition of their membership, employment, or access to the floor, to the interception, recording, and use of any such communication.

507.D.         Personal Electronic Devices

Personal electronic handheld information devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other devices with instant messaging capability may be used on the trading floor only for non-business purposes, except that members may use such devices to place orders for their own account provided the member complies with all audit trail requirements.  Such devices must not interfere with any Exchange system.

507.E.         Cameras and Video Equipment

Unless authorized by the Exchange, the use of any type of camera or video equipment on the trading floor is prohibited.