Support Services

The primary mission of the OIT Network and Telecommunications Systems group is to ensure the correct and efficient operation of the campus data and voice networks. The campus data network is the combination of several major components including the campus-wide Ethernet, wireless data communications, and connectivity to the Internet. The campus voice network includes the University’s central telephone switching infrastructure, telephone cable plant, VoIP (Voice over IP) components, and services such as the Automatic Call Distribution system. The NTS Group monitors the operation of data and voice services, assists in diagnosing communication problems, evaluates new communication technologies, reviews current and future campus communication needs, and develops network designs and solutions.

For more information about the campus networks, see OIT Network Systems.

• Investigate ways to increase the value of the campus communication infrastructures and associated applications in addressing the needs of the campus and reducing costs.
• Work closely with departments such as Dining Services, Facilities, and Public Safety on the deployment of new network-based applications and telecommunication services.
• Participate in the communications infrastructure planning for new buildings.
• Develop, test, and improve the Emergency Readiness plans and facilities of the campus telecommunication and network infrastructures.
• Implement increased security measures for both the network infrastructure and network servers.
• Promote the wider use, through education of the campus community, of available telecommunication services such as Automatic Call Distribution (ACD), video and voice conference services, voicemail to e-mail (EVM), and telephone features.
• Continue the process of improving cellular telephone access on the campus and the integration of business and personal cellular telephones into a campus communication plan.
• Support the development, deployment, and use of high-speed network applications with specific focus on Internet2, ESnet, and Computer Science.
• Pilot the latest wireless network technologies including 802.11n and WPA2.
• Evaluate the deployment of additional wireless networking infrastructure to support specific locations such as outdoor areas.
• Complete the process of upgrading building-to-core links to 1 Gbs, replacing obsolete closet network electronics, support additional 10 Gbs links, and complete the upgrading of academic and administrative desktops to 100 Mbs.
• Look for additional methods of detecting and documenting systems that have been compromised or infected.
• Pilot, evaluate, and integrate new voice technologies such as Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
• Reduce problem determination time by improved monitoring and diagnostic procedures.
• Evaluate technologies that could provide improved network access to off-campus buildings such as 1 Palmer Square and Palmer House.
• Increase the group's expertise in technologies in new network technologies such as 802.11n wireless, SIP/VoIP, firewalls, and network management.