Network Modernization Initiative

University Information Technology (UIT) has launched a campus-wide network modernization project to futureproof York’s network infrastructure. By modernizing technology, we’re enhancing the speed, scalability, security, and reliability of our network—ensuring it meets the needs of the innovators and problem solvers who work and study here and keeps us at the forefront of our ever-evolving digital world.

Initiative Benefits

Performance

The modernized network will empower York’s campus community with faster connectivity, enabling smoother online interactions, uninterrupted classes, and the adoption of emerging technologies.

Reliability

An upgraded network infrastructure ensures dependable and consistent performance with robust redundancy to improve availability. York’s campus community can count on a dependable network to meet their needs, from reliable access to course materials to improved wireless coverage.

Security

Cutting-edge security measures integrated into the network means we can better protect sensitive data, prevent cyber threats, and create a safer digital environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Objectives

Our Network Modernization objectives focus on delivering a fast, reliable and secure network across York University campuses

Fast

Deliver a faster, more responsive network that supports seamless online interactions and next-generation applications.

Reliable

Ensure a resilient network with built-in redundancy to minimize downtime and scale to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Secure

Implement cutting-edge security measures to safeguard data, defend against cyber threats, and create a safer digital environment.

Major Projects

8%

Campus Network Modernization

Modernizing wired and wireless infrastructure across academic and administrative buildings.

Accomplishments:

• 95% of campus connected at 10G/25G.
• Introduction of 6GHz Wi-Fi, next-gen Wi-Fi that provides higher speeds, flexibility, scalability and capacity for modern applications
• Upgraded distribution switches.

What’s Left:

• Upgrade access layer and aggregation switches.
• Full deployment of new wireless access points by 2028.

100%

Core Network Modernization

Upgrading York University's core routing and switching network infrastructure to handle high-speed, high-capacity data transmission.

Accomplishments:

• Replaced 2 core devices (1 in each Keele Campus data centre).
• Upgraded core links to 100G and added ability to support 400G.
• Transitioned to Equal Cost Multipath (ECMP) for better load balancing.

What’s Left:

• Route optimization and standardization to core switching and routing

95%

Data Centre Network Modernization

Enhancing efficiency, security, and sustainability of York’s data centres' networks to meet academic and research demands.

Accomplishments:

• Implemented software-defined networking (SDN).
• Upgraded to a 100G fabric for faster data transfer.
• Enabled Layer 2 network virtualization over a Layer 3 infrastructure by introducing VXLAN
• Scalability: The introduction of VXLAN that provides a much larger address space for virtual networks (VNIs) compared to traditional VLANs (16 million vs 4,000)
• Deployment of new Network Time Protocol (NTP) infrastructure, transitioning from Stratum 2 to Stratum 1 for improved time accuracy.
• Separation of enterprise and research networks
• Upgraded the uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) for two data centres (a total of 4 UPSs)
• Improved energy efficiency by reducing power and cooling needs.

What’s Left:

• Remediation Phases I and II.

99%

Network Security Modernization

Strengthening York's network security by deploying robust firewalls and advanced monitoring tools.

Accomplishments:

• Deployed border firewalls and upgraded data centre firewalls.
• Introduced DDoS attack prevention services.
• Expanded security enclaves that extend into the data centre and the cloud to assist in compliance and contractual obligations for research grants

What’s Left:

• Implement identity-aware network access and Zero Trust security.
• Add tools for monitoring east-west traffic.

99%

Wide Area Network (WAN) Modernization

Improving connectivity between Keele, Glendon, Markham, and remote sites for faster communication.

Accomplishments:

• Established 100G connectivity between Keele and Markham.
• Upgraded connectivity between Keele, Glendon, and remote sites to 10G.

What’s Left:

• Establish WAN connectivity for the upcoming York School of Medicine campus.

Future Projects

Here are some of the exciting projects on the horizon

• New wireless controllers and access points
• Upgrade of access layer switches
• VPN solution upgrade
• Out-of-band network
• Identity-aware networking and Zero-Trust security
• Network Automation

Achievements

"Before": Before Upgrade
"After": After Upgrade

Key Players

Our Network Modernization Project is only possible thanks to our incredible Network & Telecommunication Services team

Initiatives

Learn what we’re working on and how it benefits everyone at York.

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Network Modernization

SSRP