Project Purpose

Texas A&M Technology Services is designing the Next Generation Aggie Network. The new network will provide a modern, resilient and secure research and education network to better meet the future demands of Texas A&M educators, researchers and students. Addressing issues of capacity, speed, manageability, modularity, agility and performance – coupled with long-term, sustainable funding and service delivery strategies – are essential program requirements.

The new network will deliver more reliable and secure methods for transmitting data, which are essential for faculty research. The network will include a security model suitable for the collaboration needs of a Tier-1 research institution, while also providing strong protection for projects with strict compliance requirements.

Next Generation Aggie Network Implementation

The Next-Gen Aggie Network will have three parallel focus areas:
  • Increase Wireless Access - Double the number of wireless access points across campus, letting campus members connect all their devices and increasing coverage in high-traffic areas.
  • Update Wired Networks - Replace network switches and update fiber inside all buildings, providing consistent, high-speed internet access.
  • Improve Campus Security - Update the campus network core and roll out robust cybersecurity segmentation features.

Learn more about the Next Generation Aggie Network at https://it.tamu.edu/nextgen/index.html. 

Milestones

  • Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback: Completed Fall 2021
  • Executive Summary for Board: Completed February 2022
  • Initial Design: Completed Summer 2022
  • Initial Hardware Purchase: Completed Fall 2022
  • Campus Building Wireless and Hardware Audits: Underway
  • Campus Building Fiber Upgrade: Underway
  • Campus Wireless Updates Begin: Spring 2023