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IT Project: Campus Wired Data Network Refresh

Project Status

August 6, 2021: Northwestern IT is currently in Phase 1 of the network switch consolidation and deployment. In addition, the Network Group is continuing to work with our vendor, Pier Group, in the buildout and deployment of the network routing sites.

This overall project timeline is expected to conclude in February 2026.

Background

The Campus Wired Data Network Refresh Project requires the upgrade of current network routers and switches. This work is necessary to replace switches nearing their end-of-support and to improve network security, performance, and management capabilities with new technology.

Benefits to the Northwestern Community

The upgrade of network hardware will create the opportunity to redefine how users can access their data. In addition, Northwestern IT will be able to provide a more similar end-user experience for clients accessing data across both wired and wireless networks.

Goals and Objectives

• Upgrade of current Cisco 3750x switches nearing end-of-support with Aruba/HP 6300 switches
• Upgrade all current Nexus 7K Routers with Aruba/HP 8400 series routers
• Upgrade all Cisco 3850 switches with Aruba HP 6300 switches
• Improve security with Role Based Access Control (RBAC) and authentication
• Realize savings in power, maintenance, and overhead through reduction in switches, achieved by disconnecting unused ports during the migration/upgrade process.
• Achieve operational enhancements as it pertains to dynamic provisioning, automation, and device profiling
• Create unified wired/wireless synergies
• Establish enhanced management and monitoring features that will allow for proactive alerting of potential issues or unintended changes, delegated information sharing, and API-driven integrations with other systems.

Approach

The project will be delivered in annual phases over a targeted five-year period. The initial phase will involve creating a lab to replicate the various scenarios in which hardware will be deployed and to test and validate the network design. As the project moves forward, year one will focus on replacing the Cisco 3750x switches along with planned upgrades to routing sites. After year one, Northwestern IT will review the work completed and adjust the deployment schedule as needed. As the project moves into each calendar year, Northwestern IT will identify the appropriate schedule and scope of upgrades to occur in that year based on budget and resources.

• Year 1: Before deploying switches into production, Northwestern IT will create a lab environment to perform all testing. Once identified test scenarios have been completed, the project team will follow an established deployment schedule to upgrade the 3750x switches. In addition, we will identify necessary upgrades to routing sites. Finally, we will begin design discussions regarding RBAC.
• Year 2: Northwestern IT will update the annual deployment schedule. The project team will begin upgrades to Cisco 3850 switches and routing sites and will continue design discussions concerning RBAC to prepare to implement a pilot.
• Year 3: Northwestern IT will update the annual deployment schedule. The project team will continue upgrades to Cisco 3850 switches and routing sites. Additionally, we will continue design work and begin a pilot focused on end-user experience and RBAC.
• Year 4: Northwestern IT will update the annual deployment schedule. The project team will continue upgrades to Cisco 3850 switches and routing sites. Additionally, we will begin deploying Role Based Access for end-users.
• Year 5: Northwestern IT will update the annual deployment schedule. The project team will conclude upgrades to Cisco 3850 switches and routing sites. Additionally, we will finalize design work around end-user access and fully implement RBAC.

Project Timeline

Last Updated: 9 August 2021