The University’s network system currently consists of the following major building blocks:

• a core network consisting of a high performance switch with a live backup core switch at a separate location;
• resilient high performance name and address resolution services;
• a resilient intermediate access network fanning out via fibre optic links to access switches, which in turn serve local campuses;
• an edge network consisting of high performance Ethernet LANS serving approximately 8,000 computers;
• a resilient central server farm network;
• a 1 Gigabit Internet connection provided by UKERNA;
• an Inter-network router plus security services at the front door of the network;
• a remote access service for staff utilising dial-back modem technology;
• an array of sophisticated network management systems.

The primary aim of the network services is to support the business applications of the University which currently run over TCP/IP and IPX protocols.