Learning and research
Victoria University is a leading Australian and global university, ranked in the top 2% in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. VU is known for its industry-focused courses, flexible approach to education’ supportive, culturally diverse learning environment and world-class research.
A network for learning
Across VU’s network of campuses in Melbourne’s central and western suburbs and Sydney, IT has a high priority as an enabler of communication, collaboration and student and staff services. However, the access and lectern network infrastructure had become a little outdated and was in need of a refresh.
Expert help needed
Cameron Eyles of the University’s ITS Communication Services, explains: “We decided to roll out Cisco 3850 and 3650 switches to serve the university access layer, including staff and student devices, IP phones, and wireless access points. These replaced the Cisco 3750 switches which had been in place since 2011”. The university had a fixed, limited timeframe for the project, which had to be carried out in live teaching facilities, with no impact to the university’s teaching and research work. It was a tall order and Victoria University realised they needed expert help.
IMI were selected to assist Victoria University with the deployment, a project that included configuration and rollout of the new network. This included WAN and distribution router configuration and physical installation; access switch configuration and installation and lectern switch configuration and installation within teaching spaces across the university.
Fast network, fast turnaround
“The result has been outstanding”, says Cameron. “The university’s wired and wireless networks are now amongst the fastest and most efficient within the university sector in the whole of Australia. IMI’s work has greatly helped the university due to the short deadline for the project. We simply just did not have the resources to complete these upgrades within the time frame given”.
Cameron found the whole experience of working with IMI a positive one, but three things about their approach and their service really stood out:
- Efficiency – All communication room and lecture theatre upgrades were completed before 8am with absolutely minimal disruption to staff and students.
- Dedication to the job – If there was an issue or device that was down at the conclusion of each upgrade, the IMI Senior Network Engineer, Nirmal, would always ensure the problem was resolved, even if it meant driving back to campus.
- Punctuality – The team always arrived and reported to security on time and all upgrades were successfully completed before business hours.