The NP Status
Having completed the first three phases already, The Network Programme is now in its penultimate fourth phase. This section provides a view on where we are at now and what you can expect at this stage.
Programme Overview
Where We Are
Phase 4: Foundations
- Detailed low-level design and implementation of the network foundation whilst also looking at how we work supporting this new and modern network. This Phase will also look to carry out a small pilot on improving the Wi-Fi, fibre and existing network equipment areas (nodes) within the buildings that are required in order to deliver the network campus wide. Finally, we also delivered the new Public Wi-Fi service that is now running across the campus
Goals
The Goals of the Network Infrastructure Investment Programme are as follows:
- Build a network suitable for delivering ‘non-stop’ services and build a modern network that is fit to support future business needs
- Build an ongoing programme that ensures the network is always fit for purpose
- Ensure the UofG has high capacity, low latency connectivity across the campuses that enables digital services and supports the user experience, including but not limited to, research applications, teaching and learning, guests and visitors, Wi-Fi, 5G, BLE etc.
Benefits
We are looking to realise the following benefits as part of the NP:
- Build a network suitable for delivering ‘non-stop’ services and eradicate existing Single Points of Failure, including technology, people, processes and places.
- Build a modern network that is fast, secure and reliable to meet the needs of our staff and students
- Build an ongoing programme that ensures the network is always fit-for-purpose and reduces the need for high risk, 'big-bang' project approaches for network enhancements in the future
- Ensure the UofG has high capacity, low latency connectivity across the campuses that is the foundation for all digital services and supports the user experience for research, teaching and guests and visitors
- Demonstrate value for money
Please note: The Network Programme (NP) is a large, complex, multi-year, evolving project therefore the above is subject to change
Scope
The programme will upgrade and replace network equipment across:
- 9 Main distribution points (nodes) (and will add new ones where requirements are identified);
- 14 Main sites across the UofG; and
- 292 Equipment rooms
- 207 buildings are in scope
- There are currently around 1900 wireless access points, and it is estimated there will be circa 6000 by the end of the programme
- Build a Proof of Concept (PoC) in Phase 4 to evidence the new system and test various scenarios to learn lessons before launching Phase 5. The PoC is a small model environment that can be used as a testing and learning lab.
Janet Bandwidth
Janet is the UK’s national research and education network and provides our main internet connectivity. As part of the Network Programme we are doubling our internet bandwidth from 20Gbps to 40Gbps with the potential to move to 100Gbps if there is sustained demand for the bandwidth. This work ensures that we can support the ever increasing demands placed on our network for internet access.
How can you help us help you?
To build the new network that will deliver you a better wired and wireless experience – bringing you greater speeds and coverage - there will need to be works carried out in buildings throughout the UofG. As well as technical this will also bring space challenges that will result in physical works to varying degrees being undertaken and as such, we ask your help:
- understanding that there will at times be some need for some disruption, whether that:
- be cabling and minor building works required in order to support our new network;
- or by way of outages as we transition from the old (current) network to the new.
All disruption, whether it be physical or technical, will be done with you in mind wherever possible, working with you to minimise any disruption and communicating with you in advance to allow you time to take any actions you may feel is necessary. We need your help in identifying and accommodating the NP suitable space where these situations occur in order to be able to bring these benefits to your building
Glossary
Information Services (IS): Combines the Library and IT Services and focuses on the implementation of a coherent information strategy, the provision of user-centric services for students and staff, the provision of first-class learning spaces and the optimal use of enterprise systems and technology as a whole
Janet: Janet is a high-speed network for the UK research and education community provided by Jisc, a not-for-profit company set up to provide computing support for education.
Network Design Authority (NDA): The creation of an NDA role is a high priority goal of the NP TOM. These will be among the duties of the NDA, for which a Terms of Reference shall be developed in full for approval:
Documentation and diagrams for the campus network are to be created and managed. Architecture is to be planned according to industry best practices
Areas that require improvement are to be identified based on network monitoring, hardware capabilities, and architecture requirements, as well as future planning initiatives
The role will also drive and set the example for network standards and their guidelines
Network Infrastructure Investment Programme (NP): The UofG’s ambitions are to design and build a forward-thinking, future proof network infrastructure to underpin current and future business needs. The Network Infrastructure Investment Programme will invest now to modernise the network as well as sustain investment on an ongoing basis to ensure that the UofG’s network continues to meet the needs and ambitions of its users (i.e., its students, staff, visitors (incl. suppliers and guests) and remote users of digital services).
NP Team: The NP team is comprised of the NP Change Manager (Jon Mosca), Junior NP Project Manager (Numaan Khan), and two Helpdesk Analysts (Andy Bell and Christopher Atkinson) and they are responsible for ensuring the NP TOM addresses all operational needs on the campus network.
Primary Technology Partner (PTP): UofG have onboarded a Primary Technology Partner (PTP), Capita IT Services, who is going to be key in the deployment of the NP and the TOM. The PTP will be our primary contact for the procurement, configuration, and deployment of hardware, and for all technical support required for said hardware. They will also be responsible for ensuring the continued support for the networking assets procured and deployed for the NP.
RAIDs: RAID analysis is a project planning technique for identifying key project Risks (R), Assumptions (A), Issues (I), and Dependencies (D). Project teams should complete an initial analysis at the beginning of the project and then monitor the issues via a RAID Log. Each item can be rated based on its impact on the speed, profitability, or outcomes of the project, allowing you to focus on what is most important.
RACI: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed. A responsibility assignment matrix, also known as RACI matrix or linear responsibility chart, describes the participation by various roles in completing tasks or deliverables for a project or business process.