Network and Server Infrastructure

Strategic directions

1. Provide a stable, secure, always available, ubiquitous network with ample bandwidth and both wired and wireless connectivity to support KUMC's educational, clinical, and research missions.
2. Increase our reliance on clustering, load-balancing, and related technologies that enable uninterrupted availability of KUMC systems despite failure of essential hardware including server failure.
3. Deploy virtual operating environments wherever desirable and cost effective.
4. Evaluate off-site hosting and storage alternatives and implement wherever secure and cost-effective.
5. Phase out the Novell Netware operating system from its legacy roles for file service and email hosting.

Major Objectives (an objective is ongoing if no target deadline is included)

• NSI-1: Upgrade all existing Category 3 network cable to Category 6 by December 31 2011.  As of June 2012 96% of all network jacks are cat 5 or better, only 378 cat 3 jacks remain.  (MF)
• NSI-11: NSI-11: Begin a phased upgrade of the wireless network to the next-generation technology (probably 802.11n) beginning July 1 2010 or when the technology has matured (whichever comes later).  Taylor Hall was a pilot upgrade.  Completed May 2011.  Working on putting together a budget and deployment priorities to complete the rest of the campus. Hav purchased additional infrasrtucture in FY2012.  Will be upgrading the oldest AP's first during December 2011/January 2012.  A new site survey tool was purchased to assist with optimizing coverage. .(MF)
• NSI-18:  Migrate KUMC file service from Novell Netware to Windows Server.  (Notes: IR pilot site November 2010) by December 31, 2012. (MF)
• NSI-20:  Establish a new routing and connectivity path for KU-l to support research, Shared PeopleSoft System and IA-21 by December 30, 2011. (MF)