Next-gen Network Enhancements
Next-Gen Network enhancements
Enhancing and expanding WiFi at Rutgers
As a part of the Rutgers Next-Gen Network project, IT staff are working to improve and expand Wi-Fi in buildings across all campuses. This will lay the foundation to support emerging technologies and to keep up with the explosion of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and Internet of Things (IoT) trends in the technology industry. Some of the Wi-Fi upgrades include:
Refreshing infrastructure with next-generation Wi-Fi 6E access points
Doubling the amount of wireless spectrum and providing wireless service with ultra-high capacity
Integrating updated Cloud management and AI to deliver unprecedented reliability and predictability
Streamlining support efficiency with proactive notifications and problem detection
Upgrading network equipment
In order to keep the network running efficiently, network equipment needs to be upgraded to keep up with the speed and resilience the community requires. In addition to making improvements to the data core and network security, some of the network equipment upgrades include:
Expanding or rerouting segments of outside fiber optic cable for resiliency and speed
Upgrading inter-campus connectivity
Migrating regional connectivity to optical networking, increasing capacity to accommodate education and research
Enhancing reliability by retiring and upgrading legacy network hardware, while also improving vendor support and management
Implementing network segmentation, isolation and security capabilities across the Rutgers community
Enhancing monitoring and analysis capabilities to diagnose and resolve service outages quickly
Replacing blue light phones
In 2023, the Office of Information Technology completed work with University Public Safety to upgrade the emergency phone infrastructure throughout all campuses. Some benefits of the upgrade include:
Solar-powered blue light phones with a battery backup (with prospective conversion of all phones to solar)
Daily reports of system health
Phones are managed and monitored by an external vendor, Knightscope, for 24/7 support