Infrastructure

FY2026 Accomplishments

In FY26, ITS Infrastructure advanced network performance and reliability while reducing costs and enabling critical campus initiatives. These achievements reflect a comprehensive modernization of U-M’s network ecosystem, strengthening resilience, expanding access, and positioning the university for future growth and innovation.

Strengthening of the Network

The network infrastructure was substantially strengthened through a firewall and VPN modernization and the continued evolution of a high-capacity 100 Gbps campus backbone supporting advanced research. Strategic consolidation efforts reduced legacy complexity and generated over $300K in cost savings, while large-scale management of more than 17,300 wireless access points ensured seamless, ubiquitous connectivity across campus.

Highlights

  • Maintained 100% uptime of the core U-M Net Wi-Fi network.
  • Relocated fiber hub and decommissioned Wolverine Tower infrastructure.
  • Upgraded Central Firewalls
  • Upgraded Data Center Firewalls
  • Installed new Site-to-Site VPN hardware (cutover completed).
  • Installed new Remote Access VPN hardware.

Infrastructure Upgrades Strengthen Network Resilience

Major modernization programs accelerated the replacement of end-of-service network equipment, with hundreds of access layer and distribution layer switches completed and additional upgrades on track. Parallel efforts in fiber infrastructure expanded capacity, improved route diversity, and enhanced resilience across medical, campus, and transportation networks.

Highlights

  • Installed 368 new Access Layer (AL) switches.
  • Removed 104 Cisco and 241 Juniper switches.
  • Deployed 1,869 new Cisco switches since last RFP.
  • 1,882 legacy switches remain.
  • Significantly expanded remote site support.
  • Developed and piloted Assistance Kiosk network design.

Building a Safer, Smarter Campus

Significant progress was made in public safety and infrastructure improvements. Over 1,000 security cameras were deployed, new emergency systems were planned, and extensive cabling and fiber projects supported both academic and safety needs. These upgrades directly contributed to safer, smarter campus operations.

Highlights

  • Emergency kiosk Wi-Fi/AP design.
  • Designed and integrated A/V intercom calling paths for Emergency Kiosks, including DPSS MiServer consultation.
  • Housing access control engineering support.
  • Participation in MCard Advisory Board.

Proven Reliability Under Record-Setting Demand

ITS Infrastructure played a critical role in supporting high-profile, large-scale events at Michigan Stadium, including enabling connectivity for the largest ticketed concert in U.S. history, demonstrating the network’s scalability and reliability under extreme demand. U-M Net Cellular expanded coverage for both Verizon and T-Mobile as well.

Modernizing Communication Services for Greater Reliability and Innovation

Communication services continued a transformative modernization focused on resilience, scalability, and improved user experience. U-M Net Phone Services maintained continuity as work continued to migrate all remaining legacy telephone lines on the UM-Ann Arbor campus and decommission legacy switch sites. Contact center services were also modernized with cloud-based platforms, AI-driven innovation, and new service models.

Highlights:

U-M Net Phone Services
  • Migrated 15,132 numbers to Zoom Phone (2,379 remaining).
  • Decommissioned 3 legacy switch sites.
  • Launched Zoom for Government.
  • Upgraded SBC infrastructure in both lab and production environments.
  • Hosted Zoom Phone User Group.
  • Testing and compliance work for ZPLS, eFax, Cisco Call Manager, Unity, and IP fax services.
  • Disaster recovery plans completed for all services.
U-M Net Contact Centers
  • Retired ITS-Automated Call Distribution (ACD) contact centers (2025).
  • Operate 8 Amazon Connect contact centers.
  • Introduced tiered pricing models, including self-service.
  • Migrated Parking Services, Puerto Rico, Financial Aid.
  • Presented at AWS Higher Education Summit (Apr 2026).
  • Launched AI-driven contact center project (Center for Academic Innovation).

Expanding Connectivity Through Wireless Innovation

Wireless and connectivity initiatives expanded access and reduced costs through multi-carrier 5G deployments, fixed wireless modernization, and innovative hotspot solutions reaching previously unserved locations. Residential networking also advanced with high-speed, cost-effective designs and AI-driven enhancements to improve student experience.

Highlights

U-M Net Cellular
  • First tri-carrier indoor 5G deployments in the Leinweber CS Building and the Kahn Pavilion
  • AT&T 5G rollout at Michigan Medicine (launch 2026).
  • AT&T upgrades at Munger, Ruthven/CCCB.
  • Verizon outdoor 5G C-band deployment.
  • Multiple carrier small cell deployments across campus.
U-M Net Hotspot & Mobile Connectivity
  • Deployed 30 DPSS mobile hotspot devices (public safety).
  • First deployment at Radrick Adventure Center.
  • Temporary 5G at 1580 Ellsworth Rd.
  • Flint Community RV mobile Wi-Fi 7 + 2.5 Gbps.
  • Solar-powered UMCI camera optimization (efficiency and reporting).
U-M Net Fixed Wireless
  • Emergency connectivity for Telefund (hotspot + Bridgewave).
  • Modernized point-to-point links (one-tenth the previous cost).
  • Launched Ubiquiti platform (UISP) for planning, monitoring, configuration.
  • New link: 555 S Forest ↔ 1220 S Forest Ave.

Enhancing Campus Connectivity, Media, and Integrated Services

ITS Infrastructure continued to enhance campus-wide services including AV, streaming, television, and systems integration—supporting everything from live events and instruction to security and access control—while strengthening monitoring, reliability, and cross-system collaboration.

Highlights

U-M Net Video Streaming
  • Supported 97 live events (Regents, speakers, presidential).
  • Construction camera streaming (secure).
  • Michigan Marching Band pre-game streaming.
U-M Net AV Solutions
  • Updated Zoom Room standards for campus.
  • Campus-wide AV upgrades.
  • AudioFetch deployment (Rec Sports).
  • AV education and training programs.
  • AVIXA CTS certification completed.
  • Custom installs in Angell Hall, Hatcher Library, Michigan House, and 1000 Victor’s Way.
U-M Net Television Services
  • HD TV delivered to 2,700+ endpoints.
  • Northwoods DOCSIS upgrade design (1 Gbps symmetrical).