CMU Network Upgrade
This page offers information about and updates on the 2024-25 network upgrade project.
Jump to:
Project overview
As approved by the Board of Trustees at their June 25, 2024 meeting, CMU has entered into an agreement with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to modernize the infrastructure and significantly enhance the wired and wireless network service at CMU’s main and remote/satellite campuses. Wireless coverage within many buildings and surrounding outdoor spaces will be increased and improved upon. This initiative will replace approximately 70% of the existing network hardware throughout the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
The Board of Trustees approval of this resolution is a significant accomplishment for all of OIT and addresses a foundational IT investment needed to support CMU's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. This project represents a significant step forward in modernizing CMU’s network infrastructure, providing reliable, high-speed connectivity that will support the university’s needs for years to come. The cost savings and enhanced performance underscore the strategic value of this investment.
Key benefits
Cost savings and increased support
A multi-year financing agreement will result in a cost savings of nearly $7 million over the next six years with no reduction in quality of service and will also allow CMU to benefit from improved vendor support.
Upgraded network hardware
The new network infrastructure will support existing and future network demands. Additional access points will also be installed to improve overall indoor and outdoor connectivity.
Unified wireless platform
All campus wireless services will transition to a unified wireless platform supporting the latest standards. The existing networks (CMICH, CMICH-DEVICE, and CMICH-GUEST) will remain unchanged, requiring no action from end users.
Reduced number of ethernet ports
Due to the widespread use of wireless networks, the closure of several campus buildings and remote/satellite campuses, and a decline in use of ethernet-connected devices, ethernet ports will be consolidated, resulting in substantial savings in service, maintenance, and support costs.
Vendor support
The OIT networking team will be assisted by vendor-provided contractors throughout the project, ensuring the timely and efficient completion of the initial upgrades, as well as beneficial ongoing consultation and technical support.
Frequently asked questions
When is the upgrade happening in the building(s) that I live, work, take classes, or participate in activities in?
A schedule is available at the bottom of this page.
How will I know if the schedule changes?
OIT staff will be regularly updating the schedule on this page and will be in constant contact with building coordinators who will relay information to all building occupants. Check back often and keep a close eye on your CMU email.
How will students, faculty, and staff be impacted?
On the date and times that a building is scheduled to be upgraded, occupants should expect partial to full internet outages for the duration of the advertised time. This applies to wired and wireless access for all network-connected devices.
Please plan your online activity accordingly, including, but not limited to, work, research, homework, submissions, data transfers, device usage, etc. outside of the upgrade windows.
What can I do to help or prepare?
Faculty and staff should pay close attention to your CMU email. Building coordinators will be relaying important information prior to, during, and after upgrades have been completed.
Students should add a reminder to your personal calendars for the days and times your buildings will be impacted. Also, keep in touch with your professors and supervisors to learn about planned outages.
Bookmark this page and check back frequently for updates.
Plan your online activity accordingly, including, but not limited to, work, research, homework, submissions, data transfers, device usage, etc. outside of the upgrade windows.
Spread the word. Remind your colleagues, students, and friends of scheduled outage times.
Who should I contact with questions, concerns, or challenges?
The OIT Help Desk team is ready, willing, and able to assist you.
During their open hours, you reach out to them via chat, phone, or stop into Park Library 101. Emails can be sent and tickets submitted 24/7.
Work schedule by building
Extensive planning, preparation, and coordination will continue throughout the project between OIT staff, building coordinators, Facilities Management, vendor partners, and other key parties. The table below portrays the dates and times that buildings are scheduled to be offline. If and when adjustments are necessary, building coordinators will be notified and asked to pass information along to impacted parties.
Legend
| TBD | Upgrade date and times still to be determined. |
 | Upgrade has been delayed. See note. |
 | Upgrade has been completed. |
| Building | Date and time of upgrade | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anspach | Day, XX/XX/XX | ||
| Bovee University Center | Day, XX/XX/XX | ||