Next Generation Network : IT : UMass Lowell

Rationale
As demands on the network continue to grow, it is increasingly important to upgrade the existing infrastructure which has been in place since the late 1980s. A full analysis of our current and future usage will help us to understand the requirements to keep pace with changes in technology. Over the next five to ten years, the network infrastructure will be required to accommodate the convergence of voice, data and video; provide access to the nationwide Internet2 research network; and support Quality of Service.

Objectives
The Next Generation Network project will position UMass Lowell network infrastructure to meet the needs of faculty, staff and students by

assessing the current network infrastructure;
conducting critical review sessions to gather requirements;
creating a long-term plan for a state-of-the-art, scalable network to ensure enough capacity to continue with UMass Lowell’s tradition of using technology for teaching, learning and research.

Spring 2007 Funding has been secured for FY07 and will be used to upgrade the network infrastructure of UML East. Work is expected to begin in mid-April and completed over the summer.

Fall 2006 The findings, requirements and recommendations from the assessment have been documented.
NGN Summary Status

Summer 2006 In order to create a plan that meets the needs of the University community, the process will include both a physical assessment of the current network infrastructure and a needs assessment of the user community. View the presentation made to the campus at the NGN focus groups.

Spring 2007	Funding has been secured for FY07 and will be used to upgrade the network infrastructure of UML East. Work is expected to begin in mid-April and completed over the summer.
Fall 2006	The findings, requirements and recommendations from the assessment have been documented. NGN Summary Status
Summer 2006	In order to create a plan that meets the needs of the University community, the process will include both a physical assessment of the current network infrastructure and a needs assessment of the user community. View the presentation made to the campus at the NGN focus groups.