UMDNet Overview
Network infrastructure and computing enviroment
UMDNet is a campus-wide computing network that provides connectivity options and services to the UMD community. It is managed and operated by Information Technology Systems and Services (ITSS) to provide the campus community with a high-quality environment of information, computing, audio-visual, and telecommunications tools in support of the campus mission. UMDNet provides service to faculty and staff offices, classrooms, residence halls, computing labs, and off-campus users.
Backbone and Infrastructure
The network backbone uses 100 Mbit switched ethernet technology, with 10 Mbit switched service to most desktops. A Novell (IP) local area network exist on campus, and the backbone is designed to integrate this network with other services on the campus network. The TCP/IP protocol is used throughout the UMD network and the UMTC network; IP addressing is done via DHCP.
The UMD network (UMNDet) is connected to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMTC) campus network via a DS3 communication line. Access to the Internet is provided to all of the University of Minnesota campuses through a giga-pop on the UMTC campus. All nodes on the UMD network have automatic access to the Internet through this infrastructure, including all central computer systems and public student laboratories. A number of computers and supercomputers on the Twin Cities campus are available for larger computer projects.
Wireless access is currently available over a large portion of the campus, with plans to extend coverage each year.
Dial-up access to the network is provided via 168 modems that accept connections up to 56K service.
Computing Environment
ITSS supports numerous Unix, Novell, and Windows 2003 servers. The servers provide students, faculty and staff with a variety of local computing services, including: Internet access, email, network printing (Unix, Novell, Samba), file storage (Unix, Novell, Samba), data backup and recovery, server software (Macintosh, Unix, Windows), central computing time, and web space (personal and official).
For additional information see:
>>> Systems and services
Computing Labs
All enrolled students have access to basic email and web services. A high percentage of UMD students use their computer accounts. Basic student access to the network is provided on-campus by a combination of over 300 basic access computers (Windows, Sunrays, Macintosh). Additionally, the ResNet program provides network connections in every residence hall room and apartment as well technical support staff.
Full-service computing laboratories are available to students who pay an additional access fee. There are nine full-service lab areas across campus. The labs are staffed by ITSS consultants and house over 260 Windows computers and over 75 Macintosh G4 computers, and 4 Sun workstations. Six of the labs double as teaching areas, where classes meet regularly for demonstrations of the various computing and networked services. Novell file service allows the same setup and interface to be presented at each Windows/Macintosh workstation.
The public lab areas are fed through a 100Mbit switched backbone, and some of the high-performance labs have switched ethernet ports connected directly to each station. All printing is done via laser printers, with a sophisticated software package enabling charges for printing at 5 cents per page using the University's UCard ID and debit card.
For additional information see:
>>> Technology Resources for Students
Classroom Technology
ITSS provides a full range of classroom technology services to the campus. Each classroom has an overhead projector and screen and an Ethernet connection to the campus network. A number of classrooms also have ceiling-mounted computer and video projectors and connections to the campus closed-circuit television network. Additional equipment available for checkout includes computers, digital cameras, laser disc players, projectors, microphones, and conference phones.
For additional information see:
>>> Classroom Technology