It would also facilitate the evolution of a more secure and manageable network. As mentioned above, the University's network has hitherto has been bridged rather than routed, with a flat address structure. This has made for good performance and low costs. However as the network grows there is a need for the better management capabilities and improved security of a routed network. In a recent change to the Campus Data Network Infrastructure Support Policy, switched Ethernet has been made the default rather than unswitched.
Network security is a major consideration.
The migration from bridging to routing and from unswitched to switched hubs will provide significant security improvements. But the University will also need to increase the use of firewalls and other forms of traffic management in sensitive areas. In addition, with growth in network complexity, network management systems will need to be developed further. Any change of backbone technology would need to be phased, so that the transition is both manageable and affordable. Redeployment of switches would make it possible to expand the network in areas served by FDDI without financial outlay on non-strategic equipment.