Distribution Layer Switch Line Cards Upgrades

In a continued effort to improve UoG backbone network’s stability and efficiency, we would like to complete UoG distribution layer switch line cards upgrade as our commitment to network infrastructure renewal initiative.

During summer 2010, we have successfully upgraded all supervisor modules and 50% of end-of-support legacy line cards on distribution layer switches (which aggreates building connections). This project will upgrade the rest end-of support legacy cards to the next generation high performance line cards.

The goal of this project is to complete the renewal of distribution layer switches which is the key components of UoG network infrastructure, and regain the eligibility of vendor support.

The completion of distribution layer switches renewal will not only enable us to implement 10G backbone to meet community’s bandwidth demand , but also allow us to deploy some new features on UoG backbone network in the near future, like VSS – Virtual Switching System which will increase network operation efficiency and double our network bandwidth capacity to each building without additional hardware procurement.

We have scheduled the following dates for the line cards replacements:
Aug 6 2011, 6:00am - 12:00pm: replace line cards on distribution switches dist-uc and dist-mckn.
Aug 20 2011, 6:00am - 12:00pm: replace line cards on distribution switches dist-jnhn and dist-annu.

During the system upgrades, network traffic will route through the redundant distribution switches automatically. But short service interruptions are expected during the system failovers.

If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please contact the project sponsor Leon Loo at lloo@uoguelph.ca.