Network 2030
Creating a sector-leading, secure, robust, supportable, and efficient network for the University of Manchester.
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What is Network 2030?
The University of Manchester operates one of the largest academic networks in Europe, covering multiple locations internationally. The network is our fourth utility, powering the University. It’s a digital highway that connects devices, enabling them to communicate, share information, access the internet, and collaborate.
Watch the video below for an introduction to the project, showcasing the benefits of Network 2030
Our Vision
Starting in 2025, this is a six-year programme aimed at creating a sector-leading secure and efficient network, with completion by the end of 2030. This network will be the backbone for our teaching, learning, research, and professional services activities and will significantly improve connectivity for our university community.
Alignment to Professional Services goals
Inclusive
Ensuring we have high quality network connections for the entire University community, from halls of residences to teaching spaces, to labs, to museums and everywhere in between.
Sustainable
We will ensure a rolling programme of network continuous improvements, which are predictable and costed. We will ensure environmental sustainability is a focus on the technology we deploy and that environmental responsibility of our partners is a key part of our work.
Agile
We will build network services that can flex and adapt to the changes needed by our communities at pace, ensuring we can enable our TLS ambitions.
Service Excellence
Introducing 24/7 proactive monitoring via our IT Operations Centre gives us eyes and ears on our network, as part of our wider IT service monitoring system. We will build on our own network service team capabilities while leveraging strategic partners to drive our ambitions forward.
Key Objectives
- Strategy & Roadmap: Develop a comprehensive network strategy and roadmap, including technical blueprints and business cases, with the strategy expected to be approved by the end of 2024. This will ensure the network’s evolution aligns with the University’s goals and future needs.
- Connectivity: Provide reliable connectivity to our community, supporting teaching and learning, research, and professional services across our campus locations.
- Availability: Ensure the network is available when it is needed, with around-the-clock monitoring and the ability to resolve issues effectively and efficiently.
- Development and Innovation: Refresh technology to meet our needs and technology trends. Create a stakeholder group with representation from across our University community and with external third-party assurance.
- Security: Ensure security by design, allowing our community to learn, teach, and research securely. This includes implementing enhanced cyber security measures to reduce the risk of cyber attacks, and ensure compliance with security standards.
- People: Build and retain a highly skilled network services team responsible for delivering and maintaining the university network. Develop a culture of continuous improvement around training.
- Value for Money: Ensure value for money via a regular, planned roadmap for investment.
What Network 2030 will deliver
Wifi Transformation
The present scenario:
Wi-Fi coverage and service are poor in several areas, leading to connectivity issues for our staff and students.
What the project will deliver:
Transformation of Wi-Fi coverage and service across multiple locations. We have now completed Wi-Fi transformation in the following buildings:
- Academy
- Beyer
- Broomcroft
- Christie
- Crawford House
- Dalton Ellis (halls)
- Dalton Nuclear
- Dover Street
- Ellen Wilkinson
- George Begg
- Horniman House
- Information Technology
- James Chadwick
- Jean McFarlane
- John Owens
- Kilburn
- Main Library
- Manchester Museum
- Oglesby
- Photo Science Institute (PSI)
- Reynolds House
- Roscoe
- Rutherford
- Samuel Alexander
- Schuster
- Stopford
- Student Union
- Vaughan House
- Waterloo Place
- Whitworth Art Gallery
- Whitworth Hall
- William Kay
- Williamson
- Wolfson
- Canterbury Court
- Carys Bannister
- Coupland 1
- Houldsworth
- Hulme Hall
- Humanities Bridgeford Street
- John Rylands Library
- Manchester Science Park
- Mansfield Cooper
- Martin Harris
- Simon Building
- St Anselms
- Stephen Joseph Studio
- Sugden
What difference will this make?
Transforming our Wi-Fi infrastructure will provide seamless, high-speed connectivity across the University, enhancing the user experience and supporting our community’s teaching, learning, and research activities.
Community Engagement & Feedback
The present scenario:
Limited engagement and feedback mechanisms for network users.
What the project will deliver:
Communication with the community and ITS Pop-ups for ongoing engagement and feedback.
What difference will this make?
Increased user involvement in network development, leading to better alignment with user needs and expectations.
Future-Proofing Our Digital Highway
As we look to the future, the transformed network will empower our University community with seamless connectivity, robust security, and innovative technology, paving the way for a new era of teaching, learning, and research.
This page will be updated at regular intervals. Please contact the programme team if you have any questions or comments.
Email: network.2030@manchester.ac.uk.
If you need general IT help and support, contact our IT Support Centre either online through the IT Services website, or call 0161 306 5544.