March 22, 2026
The Blueprint That Outlived the Vendor: Rebuilding a University Campus Network
Campus Infrastructure
Executive Summary
Rebuilding a chaotic campus network from the ground up for a premier private design university, establishing a resilient 10G blueprint that guided their next 25 phases of expansion.
Key Outcomes
Outcome 1
Multi-Crore Infrastructure Delivery
Successfully migrated a fragmented network into a stable, 10G fiber-backed enterprise architecture.
Outcome 2
Zero-Friction Identity Governance
Implemented RADIUS (AAA) authentication, ensuring 100% automated isolation between staff and students.
Outcome 3
Phase 1 & 2 Design Blueprint
Established the high-level architectural standards that served as the mandatory reference for the next 25 buildings.
Outcome 4
Design That Outlived the Vendor
Created an architecture so robust that the university continued expansion using our design even after our engagement concluded.
Challenge
- Unstructured Legacy Cabling: Existing infrastructure was executed by non-IT personnel with zero adherence to IT standards, leading to poor terminations.
- Hardware Chaos: Unmanaged switches were deployed randomly across the campus with no centralized control over switching or Wi-Fi.
- Inability to Scale: The foundational network was entirely incapable of supporting the university’s massive, multi-phase campus expansion.
Solution
- First-Principles Rebuild: We executed a complete teardown and rebuild of both active and passive infrastructure to enterprise standards.
- Enterprise-Grade Architecture: Designed a highly scalable, 10G fiber-backed hub-and-spoke architecture utilizing Cisco and Aruba.
- Identity-Driven Access: Configured RADIUS (AAA) authentication, strictly isolating staff and student traffic for secure, governed Wi-Fi access.
Implementation
Step 1: Passive Infrastructure & Data Center
Deployed CommScope CAT6A for the data/Wi-Fi backbone and CAT6 for CCTV/Voice. Designed and built the central data center, including false flooring and structured labeling.
Step 2: Active Core & Edge Deployment
Interconnected campus blocks via 10G fiber uplinks. Deployed a Cisco C9300 at the Core/L3 layer and Cisco 2960X switches at the access layer.
Step 3: Wireless & Security Governance
Rolled out an Aruba 7205 controller managing 55+ indoor and outdoor access points. Secured the perimeter with a Meraki firewall and established leased-line routing via a Cisco 4331 ISR router.
Tech Stack
- Network: Cisco C9300 (Core), Cisco 2960X (Access), Cisco 4331 ISR
- Security: Cisco Meraki Firewall, RADIUS (AAA Authentication)
- Wireless: Aruba 7205 Controller, 55+ Indoor/Outdoor APs
- Passive Infrastructure: CommScope CAT6A/CAT6, Structured Cabling
- Additional Scope: DC False Flooring
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