| Abstract: | Over the last decade, advanced networking became an indispensable component of academic life. From research and learning applications to the general explosion of Web-based communications, the need for high-performance network connectivity is paramount. At University of British Columbia (UBC), an emerging connectivity deficit stemming from inadequate campus-wide planning between "have" and "have not" departments and newer and older facilities posed concerns for students, faculty, and staff. The University Network Program (UNP) was established to advance a comprehensive strategy for renewing, expanding, and sustaining a future-oriented network presence across the 1,000 acre UBC campus. The solution called for an end-to-end connectivity service to permanently supplant the existing fragmentary networks dotting the campus. Its other goals included: • providing one port per 100 square feet of space, and one in every classroom, lab, and seminar room; • offering 100Mbps in-building connectivity with a redundant gigabit backbone and Category 6 copper cable throughout buildings; • creating a usable, secure, low-maintenance, wide-ranging wireless network; • developing an inventive network maintenance tool for use throughout campus; and • completely overhauling the university's funding model for ongoing network support. Generating campus-wide support and cooperation (making the case for such a program) was an integral, ongoing part of this strategy. |
