NGN Overview

NGN connects university users, buildings, and systems to one another, the internet, and research networks.

Services include:

• Wired network access: Infrastructure connecting computers, phones, and other devices in university buildings.
• Wireless access: Campus Wi-Fi for university users, visitors, and supported devices, including UCSD-Protected, UCSD-GUEST, eduroam, and UCSD-Devices.
• Internet and research connectivity: Connections to the internet and education and research networks through CENIC and Internet2.
• Off-campus connections: Shared infrastructure connecting participating remote university locations to the campus network.
• Essential network services: Services that assign devices network addresses, direct them to websites and systems, and manage authorized network access.

NGN supports shared protections that help safeguard university accounts, devices, systems, and data.

Services include:

• Network security: Firewalls, intrusion detection, and web filtering to help block harmful traffic and identify suspicious activity.
• Security monitoring and response: Detection, investigation, and response to cybersecurity incidents.
• Email protection: Filtering and response services that help protect against phishing, spam, and malicious attachments.
• Device protection: Security tools for supported institutional devices that help detect and respond to malware and ransomware.
• Security testing: Vulnerability scanning and authorized security testing to identify weaknesses and guide improvements.
• Cloud and data protection: Security monitoring for university-managed cloud environments, tools to locate sensitive information, and secure management of application credentials.
• Security guidance: Support for risk assessments, vendor and contract reviews, audits, privacy requirements, and legal or investigative matters involving university information.

NGN supports the services that verify users’ identities and provide secure access to university resources.

Services include:

• Single sign-on: Access to connected university applications using a university account.
• Multi-factor authentication: Additional identity verification, such as Duo, to help protect accounts.
• Account and access management: Central identity and directory services that help university systems recognize users and manage access.
• Password protection: Password management tools and checks that help prevent the use of compromised credentials.
• VPN access: Secure connections to campus resources for authorized users working off campus.
• Digital certificates: Services that support encrypted connections and help verify the identity of university websites and systems.
• Identity system recovery: Backup and recovery capabilities for the university’s central Active Directory service.

NGN supports university-managed services that help people communicate and work together.

Services include:

• Email and calendars: Management of campus Microsoft and Google email and calendar environments.
• Mailing lists: Distribution lists and groups for communicating with university communities and external contacts.
• File storage and sharing: Collaboration and storage services within university-managed Microsoft and Google environments.
• Online meetings: Video and audio conferencing through campus Zoom and Microsoft Teams environments.
• Chat and calling: Microsoft Teams messaging, group chat, and one-to-one calling.
• Telephone infrastructure: Shared systems supporting campus phone service, call routing, and analog connections.
• University directories: Faculty, staff, and department listings that help people find university contacts.

NGN supports ongoing maintenance and planned replacement of the equipment that keeps university connections operating.

This includes:

• Core network equipment and connections between buildings.
• Building network switches and supporting cabling.
• Wireless equipment and supporting systems.
• Network equipment supporting audiovisual systems in general assignment classrooms.
• Telecommunications room infrastructure and physical access controls.
• Spare equipment and supplies for repairs and network growth.

NGN supports network services in university residential areas, including:

• Residential wireless connectivity.
• Maintenance and replacement of residential network equipment.
• ResNet technical support, including move-in assistance, troubleshooting, and help connecting compatible devices.

NGN supports Service Desk assistance for services such as networking, VPN, account access, email, and conferencing.

Support teams help troubleshoot problems, coordinate service requests, and respond to service disruptions. NGN also supports incident alerting and coordination, along with follow-up on network-related copyright violation notices.