Cisco deploys network for University of Wollongong

The Cisco network being deployed will include the delivery of 1 gigabit Ethernet to the desktop, video, Unified Communications (UC) and virtualisation for students’ research.

The University caters for more than 24,000 students and staff across 70 buildings in Wollongong, and its five other campuses, as well as the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

As it increases its research division, the University wants to create one of Australia’s leading edge research facilities using the network as the basis for the deployment of a range of services whilst ensuring a low total cost of ownership.

“As an organisation, the University of Wollongong is well established with regard to technology and research,” said Joe McIver chief technology officer (CTO) of the University of Wollongong.

“We are proactive in how we align ourselves to take advantage of opportunities in the research space. To continue to lead in innovation, we are working with Cisco to create a ‘virtualised network’ across the campus,” he added.

According to McIver research staff had made it clear during the consultation process that the ability to effectively network with others, whether interstate or even overseas, was crucial when working on collaborative projects.

“There will soon be capabilities for personal video conferencing from one’s desktop and online document sharing,” he said.

“In addition, capabilities such as ‘presence’ management will be deployed to enhance University staff communications by providing an online user status, either through automatically accessing a corporate calendar, or a staff-entered message.

“This will help boost our productivity and efficiency levels,” he added.

The virtualised network is based on the consolidation of data centre technologies, enabled in part by the deployment of Cisco Catalyst 6500 switches in the data centre and the establishment of a campus wide Multi Protocol Layer Switching (MPLS) fabric.

This convergence in network hardware and the creation of multiple virtual networks over a physical infrastructure via MPLS aligns with the University’s vision for green networking, and small carbon footprints.

It will also allow for the more rapid and responsive deployment of a range of services such as Cisco Unified Communications, video and mobility.

Technologies such as Unified Communications and video technologies are key elements in helping drive collaboration across the network, which in turn supports improved communication between research groups, fostering innovation.

Cisco mobility technologies such as advanced wireless solutions will eliminate physical barriers and provide students, teachers and administrators with access to computing resources anytime, anywhere from any device.

To drive this ubiquitous access to resources, the University has selected Cisco 7965 and 7945 IP Phone handsets for staff, while the Cisco 7911 handset has been chosen for the student accommodation. A Cisco Unified Wireless Network – based on the deployment of more than 500 Cisco 802.11n Aironet 1250 Series Access Points – will provide next-generation ubiquitous access and enable collaborative mobility applications across the campus.

Cisco and its partners also deployed 10 gigabit Ethernet-capable firewalls to support the enablement of highly secure networking.

The solution is being deployed by some of Cisco’s leading systems integrators and partners, including The Frame Group, which played a critical role in assessing the University’s business technology needs and developing an architecture and roadmap for achieving their strategic objectives.

Key support is also being provided by Dimension Data and Alphawest.

“The University is a recognised leader in information and communications technology research and teaching,” said Les Williamson, vice president Cisco A/NZ.

“This implementation presents an ideal opportunity for Cisco to both showcase its products, as well as work collaboratively with University staff and students to the benefit of all parties.

“It is the combination of Internet based technology with innovative research, teaching and learning approaches that makes this project so exciting for Cisco.

“Clearly, the network is the platform for leading Universities such as Wollongong to drive innovation, student services and staff productivity,” he added.

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