Computer network services

Tender description

Lancaster University has approximately 1 000 edge switches distributed around the University Campus at Bailrigg, Lancaster. These are mostly connected to pairs of distribution switches on 1GE copper (RJ45). A forthcoming move to higher speeds will change how we will be providing connectivity to edge switches; rather than pairs of local distribution switches the distribution switches will be remote from edge switches. We are a fibre rich site and therefore intend to dual connect every edge switch to resilient distribution switches over single mode fibre. The edge switches are currently a mix of 1GE and 10GE SFP/SFP+ uplinks. The initial purchase of the 3rd party programmable optics is for a specific new building. This allows Lancaster University to trial a new network design before rolling out dual fibre links to around 650 edge switches over the next 2 years. This procurement covers both the initial purchase (known as Phase 1) and all future requirements, subject to the agreed wider University strategy and satisfactory performance from the successful supplier.