The scenario (pre-N2030 programme):  

There was a business need to deliver a new tool to manage the University network, we previously outsourced this.

What we want to achieve:

• Deliver a modern and reliable network monitoring and management tool for in-house use. The tool uses AI and allows ITS to keep the University’s network running efficiently.
• Deliver training and appoint champions to ensure the tool is optimised and managed well.

This project has delivered:

• Agreed on the University’s requirements for a new toolset based on functionality, cost and future scalability by working with key ITS teams.

In future the project will deliver: 

• Test the toolset in a safe environment before rolling it out fully by October 2025.
• Train our ITS staff to use the new tool confidently. 

What difference will this make?

• Reduced tickets to service desk thanks to AI-supported technology predicting outages and issues with the network before they happen.
• The new system will help ITS understand how the University network is used, so we can plan improvements more effectively. 

The scenario (pre-N2030 programme): 

The Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), one of the University’s flagship buildings, used by thousands of students, staff and visitors each year, had frequent Wi-Fi issues and an outdated network setup that didn’t meet modern performance standards.

What we want to achieve: 

Deliver a high-quality, secure, and future-ready network that supports teaching, research, and day-to-day operations at AMBS.

This project has delivered: 

Completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Wi-Fi upgrade, replacing and transforming access points (APs) throughout the building to improve coverage and performance.

In future the project will deliver: 

Continue with Phases 1 and 2 of the Local Area network (LAN) upgrade to roll out the new policy-based LAN and improve wired network performance and security.

What difference will this make: 

A fit for purpose Wi-Fi service within AMBS, one that is available in all parts of the building, is reliable, consistent, responsive and provides a seamless service for all colleagues, students and visitors. 

The scenario (pre-N2030 programme): 

There is a business need to change how the University’s network is managed, by creating a new Target Operating Model (TOM) to ensure the efficient and effective running of our network. This also gives us an opportunity to strengthen our in-house expertise and take full ownership of network services once our managed service contract is closed.

What we want to achieve:

• We want to provide a clear picture of what the key components are when it comes to network provision and outline what the University target state should be in these areas.
• The project will deliver a number of recommendations as to how we can reach this target state based on our current service offering, as well as a roadmap for delivering these recommendations.
• Finally, we'll make sure that a seamless transition of activities and skills is made once the managed service contract is closed to ensure there is no impact on University network users.

Our key aims include: 

• Eliminating single points of dependency.
• Bringing all network expertise in-house.
• Upskilling and training our people.
• Closing service and capability gaps.

This project has delivered:

• We have developed the Target Operating Model document which encompasses all the considerations required for providing effective recommendations to the network team.
• We have provided a baseline for current network service activity and identified the initial target state of network provision.
• We have also developed a gap analysis plan to identify the areas that we will need to address to ensure that there is a smooth transition into the new operating model.

In future the project will deliver:

We will finalise the recommendations provided within the Target Operating Model. We will also identify the full list of gaps created within the University network service provision and provide a full plan to address these gaps to the network team.

What difference will this make:

• A network team that is high-performing with the correct tools and training to do their best work.
• A network that is high-performing thanks to its people, allowing the university to continue its industry and world-leading work.

In the short term there should be no impact on network users. In the long-term, as the recommendations are acted upon, the provision of user facing network activity is enhanced. 

What is the project about: 

This project focuses on the Edge Routers, the heavy-duty equipment that acts as the gateway between the University's internal network and the outside world (the internet). Because this is the main entry and exit point for all digital traffic, it is essential that this equipment is modern and secure. While this is behind-the-scenes work that staff and students won't see directly, it is vital for daily life at the University. It acts like an insurance policy for our internet connection 

What we want to achieve:

Our goal is to significantly boost the reliability and security of the University's connection. By upgrading these gateways, we are making the network more resilient against failures and better protected against modern security threats, ensuring that our digital boundaries are as strong as possible. 

This project has delivered:

We have successfully chosen the new hardware and selected an expert external partner to help us with the installation. We are now in the detailed planning phase, coordinating exactly how and when the new technology will be rolled out to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. 

In future the project will deliver:

The next stage involves the physical installation of the new hardware. This isn't just a technical upgrade; it's also an investment in our people. The project will provide hands-on training for our in-house IT team, allowing them to become experts in managing and maintaining this new, sophisticated system. 

What difference will this make: 

While staff and students won't notice any immediate changes, this work is crucial to ensuring the network continues to run smoothly, safely, and without unexpected failures wherever possible.

What is the project about:

This project addresses the Wi-Fi and internet connectivity within the Whitworth Park halls of residence. Previously, residents experienced patchy and unreliable signals. The upgrade covers the entire complex, including Aberdeen, Acomb, Burleigh, Derby, Dilworth, Garstang, Leamington, Thorncliffe, and Grove House. Once complete residents will enjoy a fantastic, strong Wi-Fi service that supports both their academic studies and their downtime. 

What we want to achieve: 

Our goal is to deliver a fast, seamless, and reliable Wi-Fi service that reaches every student bedroom and all communal areas. We are also future-proofing the network by adding support for the latest high-speed devices (6GHz) and upgrading the underlying hardware, replacing older switches with modern 'Hospitality' access points designed for high-density living. 

This project has delivered: 

Phase 1 is now complete with new hospitality AP's and fixed AP's installed in Acomb, Burleigh, Leamington and Grove.  

In future the project will deliver: 

• We are currently in Phase 2 of the installation. Site surveys have been started, technical designs for the new network are being finalised, along with a detailed delivery plan to ensure the work is carried out efficiently.
   
• The new Wi-Fi access points and hardware are scheduled to be installed during July and August 2026. This ensures that when students arrive for the new academic year in September, the upgraded system will be fully operational and supported. 

What difference will this make: 

Fantastic Wi-Fi service that is future-proof and strong for residents supporting them in their studies and downtime.

What is the project about:

The University has identified a critical need to replace two legacy Cisco Catalyst 6513 switches that form the core of their network located in Reynolds House and Joule House. These switches have reached end-of-life status and are no longer supported by Cisco, posing a potential risk to network stability and operational continuity.  

What we want to achieve: 

To mitigate this risk, University has decided to upgrade the aging infrastructure with a modern platform designed to meet the demands of an enterprise campus environment. The new solution will provide enhanced resilience, improved security, superior performance, and scalability for future growth.

This project has delivered: 

• We have already reached a significant milestone: two brand-new, high-capacity core switches have been physically installed and are powered up. Partial migrations have taken place, and we are now waiting for project interdependencies to be completed before we fully migrate all remaining L3 services over onto the new cores.
  
  
• To minimise disruption to your working day, this work will be scheduled and agreed with all key stakeholders to take place out of core hours whilst also taking into consideration critical university activity.  

In future the project will deliver:  

Move all services over two weekends from the existing cores onto the new core switches.

What difference will this make:  

Improved security, minimising outages, improves responsiveness to evolving business demands.

What is the project about: 

IT Services have announced the start of an important new technology initiative to strengthen its digital infrastructure and resilience with the creation of a new Data Centre Interconnect (DCI), linking its primary and secondary data centres. 

What we want to achieve:

• The DCI will provide a high‑capacity, high‑speed connection between sites, ensuring that critical university systems can operate more efficiently, reliably, and securely. Once complete, the interconnect will improve data resilience, support faster recovery in the event of outages, and create a strong foundation for future digital services. 
• The project is designed to meet growing demand for secure research storage, cloud‑ready applications, and modern teaching technologies. By enabling data to move seamlessly between locations, the new system will help maintain continuity for essential services such as virtual learning environments, administration platforms, and research computing. 

In future the project will deliver:

Work on the project is now underway and will continue throughout the first half of the year, with no disruption expected for staff or students. IT Services will share updates as key milestones are reached. 

What difference will this make?

This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening the institution's digital capabilities and ensuring its technology infrastructure can continue to support innovation, learning, and collaboration for years to come.

What is the project about:  

Following the successful rollout of the University's new Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) capability, IT Services plans to launch the next phase of its modernisation programme: a comprehensive redesign and refresh of the Data Centre Local Area Network (DCLAN). 

What we want to achieve:

• This project will upgrade the core networking equipment within the University's primary and secondary data centres, replacing ageing hardware, and moving current services onto a new, more powerful, secure, and scalable platform (LAN).
  
  
• The refreshed and redesigned LAN will work hand‑in‑hand with the new DCI to deliver faster performance, improved resilience, and greater flexibility for the University's expanding digital services.
  
  
• The enhanced infrastructure will support a wide range of key systems used every day by students and staff-such as virtual learning environments, research platforms, and business applications. It will also strengthen the University's ability to adopt emerging technologies and cloud services, building a strong foundation for future digital transformation.  

In future the project will deliver: 

Although this project will follow the DCI project, the team are busy in the planning stage of DCLAN; and IT Services will again, share updates as key milestones are reached.

What difference will this make?

This initiative represents another important step in ensuring the University's technology environment remains robust, modern, and capable of supporting innovation across teaching, research, and administration. As mentioned, the project is currently in the planning phase, and is expected to run until July 2028.

The present scenario: 

What the project will deliver: 

What difference will this make?