PIP System (SUNY Orange)

Network Infrastructure Renewal



Initiative TitleNetwork Infrastructure Renewal
Submitted in Previous Year(s)2024
Critical Information, Notes, Justification, Rationale

All technology equipment has a defined lifecycle, with an expected End of Life (EOL) for each component. This includes critical infrastructure such as switches, routers, Wireless Access Points (WAPs), and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSes). Over time, these components experience wear and tear, which can lead to performance degradation and potential failure. To ensure the continued reliability and functionality of our network and to support a high-quality working and learning environment, it is essential to proactively replace aging equipment prior to failure.

As part of this initiative, we plan to replace twenty-three switches, two building routers, thirty-three WAPs, ten UPS batteries, and five UPS units annually. This proactive replacement strategy will minimize disruptions, enhance network reliability, and support the overall technology infrastructure that serves the campus community.

Consequences of this initiative not being funded

The consequences of not proceeding with the Technology Equipment Lifecycle Management and Replacement Plan could include:

1. Increased Risk of System Failures

  • Network Downtime: Aging switches, routers, WAPs, and UPS systems are more likely to fail, which can lead to significant network downtime. This disrupts both academic and administrative functions, leading to frustration among faculty, staff, and students.
  • Unplanned Failures: Without regular replacements, technology components may fail unpredictably, causing emergencies that require costly repairs or immediate replacements, resulting in downtime that is often longer and more disruptive.

2. Deterioration of Network Performance

  • Reduced Speed and Reliability: As equipment nears the end of its lifecycle, it may struggle to meet the growing demands of campus users, leading to slower network speeds, increased latency, and unreliable connections. This would negatively impact the learning environment, research activities, and daily operations.
  • Incompatibility with Newer Technologies: Outdated hardware may not support newer software or protocols, limiting the campus's ability to adopt emerging technologies or respond to evolving educational needs.

3. Increased Maintenance Costs

  • Higher Repair Costs: As equipment ages, repair costs increase. These repairs can become more frequent and costly, potentially exceeding the cost of replacement, and diverting resources from other strategic initiatives.
  • Inefficient Resource Allocation: More resources (time, effort, and budget) would be spent maintaining outdated equipment rather than investing in upgrades that could improve overall network efficiency.

4. Decreased Security and Compliance Risks

  • Vulnerability to Cybersecurity Threats: Older network equipment may no longer receive firmware updates or patches, leaving the system vulnerable to security breaches and cyberattacks. This is particularly critical for sensitive academic and administrative data.
  • Non-Compliance with Regulations: Outdated technology may not meet the evolving compliance standards required for data protection and privacy, putting the institution at risk of legal and financial penalties.

5. Negative Impact on the Student and Employee Experience

  • Frustrating User Experience: Slow or unreliable networks and technology failures can frustrate students and employees alike, negatively affecting the educational experience and productivity. This can result in a decline in satisfaction, leading to potential retention issues for both students and staff.
  • Loss of Trust in IT Services: If technology consistently fails or experiences performance issues, it can erode confidence in the IT department’s ability to provide reliable infrastructure, affecting both institutional reputation and user engagement with technology tools.

6. Missed Opportunities for Technological Advancement

  • Inability to Leverage Emerging Technologies: Outdated infrastructure may prevent the adoption of new technologies that could enhance teaching, learning, and research. This could result in the institution falling behind in an increasingly competitive academic environment.
  • Inflexibility in Adapting to Future Needs: Without replacing older equipment, the network may become inflexible and unable to scale as the institution’s technology needs evolve. This could hinder the ability to adapt to future demands or support more advanced technologies and services.

7. Decreased Institutional Competitiveness

  • Reputation Damage: In a rapidly changing educational landscape, institutions that fail to maintain up-to-date technology may be perceived as less innovative, affecting recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff.
  • Operational Inefficiencies: A lack of modernization could lead to inefficiencies that impact the overall performance of the institution, from research capabilities to the delivery of services.

In summary, failing to proceed with the Technology Equipment Lifecycle Management and Replacement Plan could result in increased downtime, higher costs, security vulnerabilities, and a degraded user experience. These risks would undermine the institution’s ability to provide a reliable, modern, and secure technology infrastructure for academic and administrative needs.

Department GoalsTechnological Innovations
Programs
Locations
Estimated Completion Date
Will this initiative span multiple budget years?Yes
ImportanceHigh
Funding SourceCapital Budget
Created01/28/2025 2:12 pm
Updated01/28/2025 2:49 pm

Institutional Goals

Goal How will the initiative support this institutional goal?
The Technology Equipment Lifecycle Management and Replacement Plan can play a key role in reducing barriers to both academic and personal success by ensuring that the campus infrastructure remains reliable, secure, and capable of supporting the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff. Here’s how: 1. Enhanced Reliability and Uptime Consistent Access to Technology: Proactively replacing aging equipment reduces the risk of system failures that could disrupt access to critical tools and resources. Students and faculty can rely on a stable network for research, online learning platforms, and collaborative projects, eliminating technology-related interruptions that might hinder academic success. Minimized Network Downtime: By replacing aging infrastructure before it fails, the institution can ensure consistent access to online courses, databases, academic resources, and administrative services, thereby supporting uninterrupted learning and academic performance. 2. Improved Learning Environment Faster and More Efficient Networks: Replacing outdated switches, routers, and WAPs ensures that the campus network can handle higher traffic loads, providing fast and reliable internet connections. This supports the use of multimedia, interactive learning tools, and other digital resources that are critical for student success in modern education. Access to Up-to-Date Educational Tools: Newer infrastructure supports the latest software and digital tools, enabling students and faculty to leverage cutting-edge technologies in their coursework and research. This is essential for staying competitive and successful in a rapidly evolving educational environment. 3. Increased Security and Data Protection Protection of Personal and Academic Data: With updated equipment and enhanced cybersecurity measures, the institution can better protect sensitive student and faculty data from breaches or cyberattacks. This ensures privacy and helps maintain trust, which is vital for fostering a positive educational experience and personal well-being. Compliance with Standards: Replacing outdated equipment ensures that the institution complies with the latest data protection and privacy standards. This reduces the risk of regulatory penalties and protects individuals' academic records and personal information, fostering a secure environment for learning. 4. Reduced Technology-Related Stress and Frustration Seamless Access to Digital Learning: When the network is stable and fast, students and faculty can easily access learning management systems, submit assignments, and engage in collaborative work without technical barriers. This improves the overall learning experience and reduces the frustration of dealing with connectivity or equipment issues. Eliminating Technological Roadblocks: Outdated or malfunctioning equipment can create roadblocks to academic success, such as difficulty accessing online resources, completing assignments, or communicating with instructors. Regular replacement ensures that students and faculty don’t encounter these barriers, enabling smoother academic workflows. 5. Supporting Equity and Accessibility Equitable Access to Technology: Ensuring that all campus technology is up to date helps to provide equal access for all students, including those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds who may rely more heavily upon on-campus resources. Access to modern, reliable technology supports academic success by leveling the playing field for all students. Accessible Learning Tools: Modern infrastructure supports assistive technologies for students with disabilities, such as screen readers, speech-to-text tools, and adaptive devices. Replacing outdated equipment ensures that these students have the reliable access they need to fully participate in learning activities and achieve academic goals. 6. Enabling Collaboration and Communication Support for Collaborative Learning: A modernized network enhances the ability of students and faculty to collaborate online, whether for group projects, virtual office hours, or interactive seminars. This fosters a more connected and engaged learning environment where students can thrive academically through collaboration. Streamlined Communication: With up-to-date equipment, communication systems (e.g., email, video conferencing tools, and messaging platforms) will function more smoothly, enabling faculty and students to stay connected and share information efficiently, further supporting academic achievement. 7. Better Use of Institutional Resources Improved Resource Allocation: By proactively replacing aging equipment, the institution ensures that resources are being used efficiently, reducing the need for constant repairs or emergency replacements. This allows funds and efforts to be directed toward initiatives that directly benefit students, such as academic support services, scholarships, or faculty development programs. Cost Savings and Reinvestment: By reducing the need for costly emergency repairs and improving operational efficiency, funds can be redirected to enhance student services, academic programs, and other areas that support student success, contributing to a more positive and supportive academic environment. 8. Future-Proofing for Student Success Adaptation to New Technologies: With updated infrastructure, the campus is better equipped to adopt emerging technologies that can further enhance the student learning experience, such as virtual labs, immersive technologies, and advanced learning platforms. This forward-looking approach ensures that the institution remains competitive and innovative, better-preparing students for success in the modern workforce. In summary, the Technology Equipment Lifecycle Management and Replacement Plan contributes directly to reducing barriers to academic and personal success by ensuring a reliable, secure, and up-to-date technology environment. It fosters a stable learning environment, enables better access to resources, reduces stress related to technology failures, and supports a more inclusive and equitable academic experience for all students.

Action Steps

Action Step Responsible Party Order
Acquire Essential Hardware Resources CIO 1
Deploy hardware while ensuring minimal impact on campus operations Infrastructure Services Team 2

Expected Outcomes

Outcome Order
Enhanced Network Reliability and Performance 1
Reduced Maintenance and Support Costs 2
Improved Security and Risk Mitigation 3
Increased Student and Employee Satisfaction 4
Support for Institutional Growth and Innovation 5
Improved Compliance and Regulatory Adherence 6
Optimized Resource Allocation 7
Increased Institutional Resilience 8
Enhanced Learning and Teaching Environment 9
Long-Term Institutional Sustainability 10

Assessment Methods

Method Description Other Method Responsible Party
Tracking Usage of programs, services, participation can be tracked; demographic information may also be able to be collected. CIO

Resources

INITIAL YEAR COST: $0.00
RECURRING COST: $0.00

Equipment

Need Cost (Initial/Recurring) Supporting Departments
TOTAL: $0.00 / $0.00

Facility

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Supply

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Staffing

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Training

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Marketing

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Other

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Prioritization

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Assessment

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