2023 Wired Network Edge Switch Update Project

Overview

Information Systems and Technology (IS&T), as part of our ongoing modernization of MIT's digital infrastructure, is updating switches supporting the wired network jacks within campus buildings.

The new switches leverage the same Mist cloud platform already in use for managing MITnet's wireless access points improving the consistency and operational efficiency of the overall MITnet environment. The Mist platform gives IS&T greater visibility into the performance of connected devices, and leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide rich optimization and troubleshooting data.

The new switches will also provide multi-gigabit performance for capable devices, enhanced power-over-ethernet (PoE) capabilities, and advanced telemetry for performance monitoring. MIT will be able to continue to leverage new capabilities going forward through ongoing software enhancements.

In planning for the update of the edge switches supporting our wired network infrastructure, IS&T determined that fewer than 40% of wired ports remain in use across campus. The majority of network activity at MIT now takes place through our wireless infrastructure.

Any wired network port which has been observed to be in use within the past six months will remain operational and will be included in the cutover to the new switches. Any port which is active at the time of a building's scheduled cutover will also be moved to the new switches. If an existing wall jack is expected to have connectivity but is found to have been deactivated during this change, IS&T will reactivate it upon request at no charge. Contact the IS&T Service Desk to request reactivation of an existing wired network jack.

While this work involves a scheduled network outage in each area during some preparatory work and at the time of each area's cutover, IS&T's work plan supporting active and recently active ports ensures that MIT will continue to have the wired network coverage it needs to support operational activities.

Schedule

See 3down.mit.edu for updates on the status of IT systems and services across the Institute.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about this planned upgrade, contact the IS&T Service Desk at (617) 253-1101 or servicedesk@mit.edu.