The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) said on July 31 that it completed the core build and pilot phase of a major campus network modernization effort.
The Network Unification program aims to modernize and unify UCLA’s campus network, replacing fragmented and outdated infrastructure that university officials said has become harder to manage, less reliable, and more vulnerable to security threats.
The recently completed pilot marked a key step in that broader effort.
During the pilot period – from July 14 to 29 – UCLA built 75% of its new network backbone, upgraded 21 general academic classrooms with Wi-Fi 7, migrated nine telecommunications rooms across four buildings, installed 29 wired switches, and deployed 135 wireless access points.
The university said the work was completed with minimal disruption to campus operations.
The effort focused on digital and technology solutions-managed wired and wireless devices in selected telecommunications rooms, while department-managed devices were excluded from the pilot.
With the pilot now complete, officials say Network Unification is ready to move into its next phase, “bringing a modern, unified network to additional campus buildings and creating the resilient technology foundation UCLA will rely on for years to come.”
“The most important outcome of this effort isn’t just a new network, it’s the confidence that we’re building the right foundation for UCLA’s future,” said Veronica Garcia, deputy chief information officer. “Modern research, teaching, and campus life all depend on reliable, secure, high-performing technology, and this milestone reflects the extraordinary collaboration and commitment of teams across the university.”
The future network will support throughput of up to 400 gigabits per second and include increased network segmentation, authenticated user access, and integration with UCLA’s legacy network during the transition. UCLA said the network design is intended to strengthen security, while the unification of wired and wireless networks will increase streaming capacity and support classroom and hybrid learning.
Additionally, UCLA is pairing the network modernization effort with other campuswide technology and cybersecurity changes.
Beginning in August, UCLA Information Security plans to start replacing its Trellix HX endpoint detection and response product with CrowdStrike Falcon to meet University of California Office of the President requirements.
The transition will proceed in phases with campus IT organizations through June 2027. UCLA said CrowdStrike will provide greater detection and protection capabilities for university-owned systems.
Those infrastructure and security efforts are unfolding alongside UCLA’s broader One IT initiative, which is focused on reshaping how technology services are organized and delivered across the university.
