Network Architecture & Design

The Network Architecture & Design Group is charged with the following responsibilities:

• Develop and document the network architecture for the IU administered networks.   Work with the network engineering groups and constituents to develop acceptable solutions if the current architecture does not meet the requirements.
• Actively participate in the leadership activities of the regional and national R&E networking community including advisory groups, committees, and meetings related to the engineering of networks.
• Communicate with all constituents of the Networks Division, to understand their future networking requirements and to keep them informed as to the future goals and capabilities of the network that may impact them.
• Communicate future requirements such as cabling, space and power with the Infrastructure division to make sure the physical infrastructure will support future networking needs.
• Develop relationships with vendors.   Stay informed on product roadmaps and communicate IU’s future networking requirements.   Coordinate special projects with vendors such as grant and research programs and joint development opportunities.  Evaluate and document new products and technologies.
• Research emerging network technologies and standards by following the activities of standards bodies such as the IEEE and IETF, attending conferences such as Internet2’s Joint Techs Workshop and NANOG, and by reading other articles and whitepapers.
• Manage a network test environment that can be used to test and evaluate new network designs, configurations, software and equipment.