Information about the network upgrade and planned downtime to services
The improvements
In IT Services, we are carrying out a series of extensive improvement works across University buildings to enhance the network capability across campus. This will mean faster, more reliable network coverage for staff and students, and is one of the largest investments we’ve made in our infrastructure for many years.
We’ve made great progress with our Wi-Fi upgrades; 9 buildings have been completely upgraded to allow for faster, better and more reliable connectivity. And that’s just the start.
To achieve these improvements, there needs to be a series of network downtime so we can replace old equipment. We’ll do this work outside of working hours where possible.
What’s coming up?
- Between Monday 16 and Friday 20 March, we plan to install and connect new equipment. While we connect this new equipment, we expect that the wired and Wi-Fi network will be unavailable between 10pm-11pm on Tuesday 17 and Thursday 19 March.
- Between Monday 23 March and Sunday 5 April, we plan to make some changes to the setup of the network service. We’re not expecting any downtime, however due to the nature of the work, we’re considering it ‘at risk’, and we will be closely monitoring the network throughout to ensure service remains online. This work is dependent on the completion of the new equipment installation above.
- On Tuesday 31 March, we’re replacing equipment in Owens Park tower, meaning that residents in Fallowfield campus may experience a loss of wired and Wi-Fi connectivity for up to eight hours. We’ll confirm this information with residents closer to the time.
- On Wednesday 1 April, we’re replacing equipment in Hulme Hall, meaning that residents in Victoria Park may experience a loss of wired and Wi-Fi connectivity for up to eight hours. We’ll confirm this information with residents closer to the time.
- We’re also upgrading the wired and Wi-Fi network in buildings across campus, and will continue to engage with building representatives in advance to ensure they’re aware of any local impacts to service.
How you can keep informed
If you’d like to receive email alerts about planned service downtime on University IT services, you can subscribe to the IT Planned Work mailing list:
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