MRC Building Network Upgrade:

FORMS: UT MRC GROUP/PROFESSOR/Company Server Administrator Form ( DOC ) ( PDF )

The UT Austin Microelectronics Research Center will shortly be in the process of replacing the current aging building network infrastructure. All network switches as well as the building network up-link are being upgraded and a building firewall is to be installed. This upgrade will require differentiating amounts of help and reconfiguration of everyone here at the center. The largest change will be having a firewall for the building; unless set up, all current network ports for servers located in the building will need to be re-configured to use a new VLAN and likely new static IP addresses. This will enable DMZ access for only building servers while workstations, printers and clean room equipment will now operate within there own secured VLANS.

This upgrade will also require some cabling modifications within the building. There are several current network connections in the south end of building 160 that were never upgraded in previous network upgrades and are still running network connections to offices using the CAT3 Telephone system. The new upgraded 10/100/1000 switches will have issue with operating on this cabling and will require new wire to be pulled to these offices. We are currently scheduling this and notices will be posted shortly on the offices that will require new cable to be pulled.

We also have 24 people still operating on a developmental 10 base fiber network that 3M installed as a test system many years ago that runs to many cubicles and offices in the upstairs North section of the building. Half of this fiber network failed a couple months ago and users were consolidated or moved to other network connections. The remaining 24 network drops will also need to be re-cabled in order that we can remove this systems and all of these users can share in this upgrades benefit. During the re-wiring of the south end of the building notices will be posted for all users using this 3M fiber network.

I will try to make this switchover as painless as possible, but also understand that there may be points of frustration. We are planning as best we can and are giving ourselves lots of time to get this all accomplished. If you have any questions or concerns or if you administer any servers housed inside building 160 please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it in order that we can discuss what will be needed for this upgrade. Any new information and scheduling will also be posted on the MRC website in the IT Support section/subsection

http://www.mrc.utexas.edu/index.php/resources/itsupport

This upgrade should be of great benefit to everyone who lives and works here at the UT Austin Microelectronics Research Center and would not be possible without the great generosity of Dr. Banerjee as well as The Cockrell School of Engineering.

If you operate any servers located within MRC building #160 that need to be accessible from outside or have any questions or concerns please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at your earliest convenience.

If you are currently using any type of HUB or Router In your area these will have to be removed and need to be

re-provisioned with new physical network drops to accommodate all computers plugging into there own wall jacks.

(One computer per closet switch port)

Office/Cubicle #: _______________________________________________

Request # of Additional Network Jacks: _____________________________

E-Mail/Telephone Contact Info: ____________________________________

If you are currently using Static IP addresses on any of your servers OR require remote access; Your IP Addresses

will likely need to be re-issued/configured during this process.

Thank You
MERNET