Network, wireless upgrade commencing; expect brief outages

With a pilot phase complete, an upgrade to Purdue's campus data network and wireless system is getting into full swing this summer.

ITaP and partner Presidio are replacing network switches and wireless access points in buildings around campus. This will involve some brief outages while the new equipment is installed and brought online.

A detailed schedule for the work in various buildings is available here.

The network switch replacement will necessitate a total building outage, including the phone system in buildings with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, while the new switches are activated. In most cases the change is being done overnight to create as little disruption as possible.

In addition, as new wireless access points are installed there will be periodic losses of wireless coverage in areas where these access points are located, while the old access points are retired and the new access points are brought into service. The interruptions should last less than 10 minutes per access point.

The project is part of a major upgrade to Purdue’s network to make it more robust, responsive and secure – now and in the future – and to enhance wireless access on campus.

Besides new wireless access points, the network upgrade includes an adaptive system designed to meet changes in demand from faculty, staff and students as well as help respond to changing threats to the network’s security.

For more information, email Network-Rollout@purdue.edu.

Writer: Greg Kline, communications manager, Information Technology at Purdue (ITaP), 765-494-8167 (office), 765-426-8545 (mobile), gkline@purdue.edu 

Last updated: May 31, 2018