Next gen part of SAB networking technology

caroline.zentner — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 16:29:24 +0000

The Science and Academic Building features the latest technologies in networking systems by Cisco Systems. This intent-based networking makes use of policy, machine learning and advanced automation to control the network.

A team of specialists was involved in setting up the SAB network, including, from left to right, Steve Estephan (Cisco), Omar Duenas (U of L network analyst), Sean Gray (U of L wireless network analyst), Jeff Oliver (centre, U of L network and telecom manager), Shaun Ginter (Long View Systems), Ian Procyk (Cisco) and Don Orlik (Cisco).

“The network infrastructure we’ve put in the new building is a new generation of networking, where it’s not so much about moving data around as it is about doing so in a safe and secure environment,” says Jeff Oliver (BSc ’96), the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s manager of Network and Telecommunications.

The benefits of Cisco’s Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) solution include features such as enhanced network security, increased operational effectiveness and automation based on policy. It can also provide increased visibility into traffic patterns allowing faster and better insight to compromised workstations and accounts. SD-Access weaves together wired and wireless networks. Users and devices can be easily added and a consistent policy —determined by the resources needed — follows a user wherever they may go on the network.

“The network we’ve installed is a new way of doing things for the U of L. The rest of the network on campus is still very manual and the goal over the next five years or so is to extend this new policy-based infrastructure across the rest of the campus,” says Oliver. “The largest driver of this is being able to provide the required access to needed resources in a secure manner. We find ourselves in a place where security of data is increasingly important, whether it’s from viruses, ransomware or a myriad of growing threats. SD-Access is part of a solution that enables us to deal with threats faster and more efficiently.”

The new network provides increased visibility into online traffic patterns, which allows a machine that’s been compromised to be quickly identified.

“The majority of the campus community likely won’t notice any difference in how the network operates, however, in the long term we will see a safer and more secure network,” he says.

Investing in the future

trevor.kenney — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 21:51:08 +0000

More than 50 years ago, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge changed the landscape of southern Alberta – both physically and culturally. As the new Science and Academic Building takes shape on the north end of campus, it’s about to happen again.

Janice and her husband Glenn have stepped forward with a significant gift towards the Science and Academic Building.

“This facility will lead to new scientific discoveries for the benefit of humanity,” explains Dr. Matthew Letts, associate dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, highlighting the impact the building will have not only on our campus but on the broader community and even globally. “It will allow us to augment research productivity, improve our research funding success, forge new partnerships with industry, develop the regional economy, serve as a science centre for southern Alberta and inspire proud U of L students to embark on scientific careers.”

The building — and its positive impact — is more than the sum of its parts.

“We feel it’s important to make a donation to this phase of the Destination Project because we want to contribute as best as we can to the generations who follow us,” says Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02), the U of L’s 13th chancellor, a long-time Senate and Board of Governors member and a proud alumna. Janice and her husband Glenn have stepped forward with a significant gift towards the project.

When the new building opens in fall 2019, it will be one of the most advanced facilities for science and research in Canada. A home for innovation and discovery, the open and flexible laboratory environments will encourage and foster research between the sciences, and with an abundance of transparent walls, science will truly be on display for the public to see.

Sustainably designed with the local climate in mind, students, faculty and community will come together under one roof to create, inquire and discover like never before.

“Education is our future,” Janice explains. “We are investing in the U of L because it is an institution that invests in others.”

Glenn echoes Janice’s statements emphasizing their family’s commitment to tomorrow.

“It’s more than supporting a building. It’s an investment in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, its students and our community,” he says. “It’s creating a legacy that goes beyond our own region, province and even lifetime.”

Truly a U of L family, the Varzaris have a longstanding connection to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and began their support as a show of gratitude. They are now leading by example and have seen the charge taken up by the next generation.

“We’re grateful to see that philanthropic spirit emerging in our grandkids now,” says Glenn. “We hope to see it grow in our own family, but also the community at large.”

As Janice gets ready to wrap up her term as chancellor next spring, she is looking forward to watching the impact of her work and her family’s contributions to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ continue to take root.

“It makes you feel like as small as we are, our tiny little efforts will reach across the world in some way through the thousands of graduates doing their work,” she says.

UNews - Science and Academic Building

Next gen part of SAB networking technology

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Investing in the future

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