In the summer 2005 the University completed an extensive network upgrade where all data communications between all campus buildings on both the Main and West Campus is accomplished using fiber optic cabling. All buildings have dual homed connections that terminate at redundant data centers. The only exceptions to being dual homed are the College Street Houses which are connected as extensions of the Science Building. The use of fiber-optic cabling allows for reliable data communication over greater distances and increased throughput between the network core and campus buildings.

All buildings utilize multi-mode fiber risers with gigabit uplinks to multiple Cisco switches on each floor or alternating floors, depending on workstation density. Workstations are connected to high-speed switches, which are housed in telecommunications closets via patch panels using Category 5e cabling. Typically, these switches are configured as a stack. The switch stack located on the lowest or ground floor of a building is generally configured as the MDF (Main Distribution Frame), while the stacks on subsequent floors are IDF’s (Intermediate Distribution Frame). Generally speaking, all buildings have a single MDF. Some buildings have one IDF where others have multiple IDF’s.

The Core infrastructure is run over a pair of Cisco carrier-class routers running VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) to insure network availability. The routers, are housed at each Data Center and are integral components of a Disaster Recovery / Data Redundancy initiative. The campus core infrastructure also includes a host of other appliances and hardware such as firewalls, Internet routers, a wireless gateway and content switches.

The installed infrastructure benefits the University immensely by providing enhanced services to our community. These include:

• Higher throughput speeds
• Increased performance
• Improved network security
• Increased network redundancy
• Ease of management
• Scalability for future growth and expansion

For additional information and documentation, see the section on Network Services on the IT Support page.

Implemented over the Spring 2005 semester, GothicAir is the University's 802.11b/g wireless data network. Also known as Wi-Fi, this service is similar to wireless networks provided by hotels, airports, and other businesses. For additional information and documentation, see the Wireless Networking section of the IT Support page.

The University is connected to the Internet via a Fast Ethernet Circuit that provides 30MB of Internet bandwidth. The circuit is part of NJEDge and is managed by Verizon Communications. NJEDge.net is an Educational service linking K-20 institutions across the state, providing high-speed, data and video connectivity between members. Affiliation offers the University community unprecedented access to the latest communication technology for collaboration and sharing of information and services.

The backbone is largely old copper wiring that was built for analog key systems from various vendors. These key systems have been replaced by Meridian Digital Keysets and standard analog telephones connected to a Meridian Option 81C PBX with redundant CPU’s, located in Hepburn Hall. Some of the wiring has been replaced with Category 3 cables and trunks. Vodra Hall is connected to the PBX via a fiber carrier remote. The West Campus, AFC and AHM are connected to the PBX via fiber remotes.

Voicemail is provided to Staff and Faculty using Meridian Mail. No voice mail is provided to students.

There are plans to provide IP video services (live broadcasting, on demand video, and videoconferencing) via NJEDge.net to all K-20 schools in the state of New Jersey. NJEDge.Net also provides various gateways that extend video services to the public phone network and the Internet.