Infrastructure

FY2025 Accomplishments

In FY2025, the U-M ITS Infrastructure team advanced campus connectivity by expanding 5G networks and upgrading the university's network architecture, significantly enhancing data speed and reliability. The team modernized communication systems by transitioning Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses to Zoom Phone and upgrading call centers to Amazon Connect, improving service efficiency and user experience. Additionally, they strengthened campus safety through the repair of emergency phones, enhanced data center reliability, and expanded AV capabilities with advanced Zoom Room installations across key university locations.

Network and Connectivity Enhancements

  • Enhanced 5G Connectivity: The university worked with mobile providers to significantly boost the capacity and speed of 5G service, enhancing smartphone communication across campus. This initiative included upgrades at Michigan Stadium, providing faster data speeds and more reliable calls during events.

  • Comprehensive Campus and Off-Campus U-M Net Upgrades: The team migrated to a new backbone network architecture across 69 buildings, and also greatly increasing WiFi coverage and capacity. Off-campus, they introduced U-M Net Hotspot to deliver robust internet access in areas lacking traditional infrastructure.

  • Enhanced Security and Network Expansions: The team installed new firewalls across several university buildings to improve network security. They also expanded the fiber optic network and streamlined the approval process for network extensions. 79 Distribution Layers and 958 Access Layer switches were upgraded in Ann Arbor, ensuring over half of the 216 buildings on campus now have at least 100 gigabit per second network connectivity. Buildings were prioritized based on imminent research needs, known bandwidth bottlenecks, and the end-of-life date of the existing network switches.

Communication System Upgrades

  • Modernized Phone System: The ITS Infrastructure team transitioned Flint and Dearborn campuses to Zoom Phone, replacing outdated systems to enhance call quality and reduce costs. This modernization improved communication efficiency for faculty, staff, and students.

  • Upgraded Call Centers: The team upgraded university call centers to Amazon Connect, leveraging modern, scalable technology to improve customer service. This transition enabled quicker response times and personalized interactions, enhancing user experience.

Safety and Reliability Improvements

  • Emergency Phone Restorations: The team restored emergency phones to good working order, ensuring these critical devices remain operational to maintain campus safety and compliance. These phones serve as vital lifelines for communication during emergencies.

  • Power Infrastructure: The team conducted preventive maintenance on the MACC Generator Electrical Switchgear to ensure uninterrupted power reliability for critical facilities. They migrated networks to a new core infrastructure, reinforcing the reliability of essential university operations.

Audio-Visual and Technology Upgrades

  • Expanded AV Options: The ITS team installed advanced Zoom Room-based AV systems in key university locations, enabling features like voice amplification and lecture capture. These installations offer a flexible and economical alternative to high-cost AV systems, enhancing classroom and conference room capabilities.