The University of Utah’s Network Services team works closely with local network administrators to support, monitor, and optimize network performance while maximizing network security and availability. Network services include enterprise networking, wireless, firewall, load balancing, and virtual private networks (VPNs).
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Project to improve network POC database is in the works
It's hard to imagine not having contacts saved in our phones, or iPhone users simply saying, "Hey, Siri, call Dave."
Mobile technology makes managing personal contacts easy, but technical point of contact (POC) lists are harder to maintain. This becomes an issue when stakes are high; should a connectivity issue arise, it's critical to quickly identify the party responsible for a segment of the network.
This was the challenge facing the U's Network Architecture Community of Practice (NACoP), a subcommittee of the university’s IT Architecture and New Technology Committee (ANTC). The group was tasked with creating a recommendation to modernize the network POC database to meet evolving security needs, which was approved by ANTC on May 18, and moves to the Strategic Information Technology Committee (SITC) for a final vote on July 14. Highlights of the recommendation are listed below.
NACoP Chair Robert White, IT director of Undergraduate Studies, said more accurate POC data supports other security initiatives like network access control, and default-deny firewall hardening. Tying the appropriate organization to an IP address, firewall rule, or other attribute provides the U's Information Security Office (ISO) with the data it needs to expedite incident response.
The project, pending approval, involves migrating network POC information from the existing POC database to the U’s instance of ServiceNow, the common service management platform used by UIT and Information Technology Services staff.
Meeting COVID-19 connectivity challenges
UIT’s Network Services team stepped up when connectivity mattered most. Business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic required the majority of university employees and students to work and attend school remotely, which roughly tripled the use of the U’s virtual private networks (VPNs).
Responding to COVID-19: CTO organization highlights
Chief Technology Officer Jim Livingston recently highlighted key efforts by IT infrastructure teams to support the University of Utah and University of Utah Health throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Wi-FI GUIDES
Using a VPN to access the campus network
To access certain resources on the University of Utah network, university employees and students working or studying remotely should use a secure virtual private network (VPN).
- Cisco AnyConnect
- Palo Alto Global Protect
- Departmental VPN
Get connected: The U's four wireless networks
- UConnect is a secure connection requiring a valid uNID and CIS login — visit onboard.utah.edu to connect a device
- UGuest is an unsecured, open-access network for visitors with limited bandwidth
- ULink is the U's wireless network for Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Eduroam gives students, faculty, and staff to secure internet connectivity across campus and when visiting participating institutions
Best practices: Are you a good Wi-Fi citizen?
It may not be obvious at first, but what you do can affect Wi-Fi performance for those around you. Setting up your own wireless hotspot or router will create connectivity issues for those around you. Good etiquette is necessary for everyone to get the connection they need!
Topics include:
- Choose your connection wisely
- Wired connections have benefits
- Stop sending mixed signals
Tips & Resources
Telecommuting: Information security best practices
Compared to working on campus, telecommuting can present different information security risks, especially when it comes to network security, data storage, and physical security. By following these information security best practices, you can help protect yourself and the university from cyberthreats.Cloudpath detected as a virus
Virus detection software may identify Cloudpath (onboard.utah.edu) as a virus. If this happens, users may have to update their virus definitions and security content.
Cloudpath is the certificate security software integrated with onboard.utah.edu.
TOP SERVICES
(Service Portal requires authentication)
HELPFUL LINKS
- Information Security Office
- Center for High Performance Computing — Perfsonar
- Utah Education Network
- Internet2 Network Operations Center
- Network Services org chart
UOFU IT NEWS
- UIT: Node 4
- ITS: Hardwired (authentication required)
HELP DESK
Urgent? 801-581-4000, option 1
Less urgent? helpdesk@utah.edu