The network architecture must support the diverse technological needs and solutions that will be determined by individuals rather than by the organization. The network is a basic utility linking local area networks to each other and to state, national, and international networks. The network must provide universal network services to all University locations and must have the capacity for all Miami students, faculty, and staff to use computers as a routine part of their daily activity. . The network architecture will use non-proprietary open standards to ease the migration path from existing to new technology. The infrastructure includes the spaces, pathways, and communication rooms that house the transmission media, the building and hub electronics, and the attachment devices.
Network services provide access to applications residing on local and remote resources.
This section discusses the scope and structure of both the physical network and the service it provides. This plan covers data and video networking on the three campuses of Miami University. The network will eventually reach approximately 13,000 offices, classrooms, laboratories, and residences in over 90 University buildings on three campuses. While beyond the scope of this plan, consideration will be given to methods of improving off-campus data connections. The plan focuses on data and video networking.