Network Routing Switch Upgrades

By Duncan Bond, OIT

Network and Communication Services completed upgrading software on the four routing switches that comprise the core of the State's network infrastructure.  The new software adds more functionality and capabilities to our infrastructure. These features include the ability to use the newer high density, high performance gigabit and 10 gigabit switch blades.  A known central processing unit (CPU) utilization issue present in the previous version of code was corrected in the new release as well.  Located at the Enterprise Data Operations Center (EDOC) at 26 Edison Drive, Central Maine Commerce Center (CMCC), Cross Office Building, and the East-side campus, these switches aggregate, route, manage, and monitor traffic at bandwidths up to 10 gigabits per second (gbps).  To minimize impact on the network and verify proper functioning of the code, the core switches at Cross Office Building and the East-side campus were upgraded in December.  This upgrade of the CMCC and EDOC switches was extensively coordinated with other Core Technology groups, application system teams, and business partners as the upgrade affects service to the data centers at those locations.  To our customers, this provides a proactive higher level of redundancy, reliability and speed in the core of the network, resulting in:

• better network performance to all agencies, although end users may not perceive any change.
• accommodation of upcoming new higher-bandwidth applications and processes.
• effective use of new automated tools to manage customer resources including servers and end user computers.