University Network Operational Plan

The basic function of Network Management is to plan, implement, and maintain the data communications network for Weber State University. This includes maintenance of necessary connecting equipment such as switches and routers; also, planning for and monitoring connecting copper and fiber optic media. Several key servers providing file and print services to Weber State students, faculty and staff are also installed and maintained by Network Management.

In addition, a major Network Management responsibility is the design, implementation, and management of the university's e-mail and groupware systems. This includes management of user accounts and addresses, and installation and maintenance of servers, gateways and other supporting equipment and software.

Current Network Management implementation actions in support of institutional strategic priorities and long-term IT goals are described below, with links to the long-term goal(s) associated with each implementation action in parentheses. Please note that
implementation actions are not listed in priority order.

• Assure the continuing functioning and reliability of the WSU data communications network (LTG-A.2, D.3).
• Provide reliable off-campus data connections to WSU-Davis and the Eccles Conference Center (LTG-A.1).
• Implement upgrades in selected campus buildings, converting buildings from shared to switched networks and increasing the capacity of the buildings' uplink (LTG-A.2).
• Plan for the long-term implementation of a high-speed, meshed network backbone, offering the integration of voice, video, and data and the integration of LAN and WAN technologies (LTG-A.1, A.2).
• Administer the logical level of the data communications network, including network addresses, user accounts, and GroupWise userIDs (LTG-A.1, A.2).
• Configure and maintain Novell NetWare file servers providing accessible and reliable file and print services for campus users (LTG-A.2, D.3, D.7).
• Provide second and tertiary level support to WSU Computing Support, including problem resolution and staff training (LTG-A.7).
• Plan and design modifications to the network configuration so as to provide secure access to designated Intranet services (LTG-D.4).
• Provide technical and logistical support to Library staff in their efforts to provide expanded electronic access to reference materials for WSU students and faculty (LTG-A.5).
• Participate in the development and implementation of advanced techniques to automate software distribution and provide improved desktop management (LTG-D.3, D.7).
• Monitor and maintain an integrated e-mail infrastructure, including message stores, message transfer agents, gateways, and administrative agents (LTG-D.3).
• Plan, design, and implement the upgrade of the university e-mail system to GroupWise 5.2 (LTG-D.3).