Since 2022, the Next Generation (Next-Gen) Aggie Network project has progressed toward the completion of a modern and secure network for both research and education. The higher network speeds and increased capacity of the Next-Gen Aggie Network will meet the current and future needs of Texas A&M University students, faculty and researchers, and IT professionals. As of February 2025, fiber updates are 100% complete, wireless updates are 44% complete, and wired updates are 77% complete.

As the wired updates near completion across all buildings, users have already seen the benefits of the new state-of-the-art network. With the recent smooth transition to new switches, the Next-Gen Aggie Network team’s work resulted in significantly increased network performance.  In one example, the users working on a data processing workstation are now able to connect at 10 times the previous network speed and their office workstations are connecting 2.5 times faster than before. Rusty Carter, Assistant Director — Facilities Analytics and Mapping, said, “The updated switches allow for us to access our large data sets at 10 times the speed we previously were able to access.  This means that when we need to access a large data file that is 250 GB in size, we are only waiting 4-5 minutes, where before we were waiting 40-50 minutes.  Compounded across a full day of accessing multiple files, the time savings add up quickly.” 

Installation of these new network switches in every building is a key component of the Next-Gen Aggie Network. This wired component update is essential to provide the connectivity needed for the WiFi Access Points, which provide WiFi signal throughout the campus buildings, as well as any ethernet-attached computers or devices. These enhancements will improve Wi-Fi signal strength and connection speed, especially during high-traffic periods. In addition, standardizing the network switches from the previous 76 different models will allow Technology Services to streamline support and ensure a more modern infrastructure.

Over the last several months, the network team has completed up to 10 switch upgrades each week. These upgrades require substantial advance planning as well as substantial communication and collaboration across Networking and Project Management teams. Completing the work also involved collaboration with building representatives, switch configuration and testing, outage management, communication and alternate work schedules.

As part of the Next-Gen Aggie Network project, most campus buildings will have their switches upgraded. With the current exceptional progress, the upgrades are set to be completed by early April 2025, nearly a full year ahead of schedule. Given Texas A&M University's complex and growing technology needs, the Next-Gen Aggie Network is an essential element in Technology Services’ commitment to enterprise-class service.