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Networks and Connectivity

University IT works closely with local network administrators to support, monitor, and optimize network performance while maximizing network security and availability.

The Cloud Gateway service provides a private Stanford IP address to UIT-supported cloud providers, thereby, extending the Stanford network to the cloud.

The Load Balancer service provides each client with a load balancing partition unique to their firewalled environment. The service adds an extra measure of stability and redundancy for University systems and servers.

The Net-to-Switch model for academic and administrative departments provides highly reliable network equipment and centralized, expert monitoring and support at a cost-effective price. While University IT is responsible for everything from infrastructure planning to quick-response troubleshooting, the department’s Local Network Administrator (LNA) maintains control of active port patching in the network closet.

NetDB is a Stanford University database application that stores Network and Node configuration information. It is generally used by local network administrators and Networking staff. Most commonly, NetDB is used to assign a new IP address to a computer or printer. The information in NetDB is loaded into two important network services at Stanford: DNS and DHCP.

The Stanford University Network Access Control (SUNAC) service permits organizations to grant remote access to resources that are protected behind University IT-managed Firewalls based upon an individual’s SUNet ID. This service incorporates VPN, Workgroup Manager, and Firewall services to create increased IT Security for Stanford’s ever-increasing mobile work force.

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors use Stanford’s centrally-provided network to connect to resources here and across the globe. The Connect to the Network page will lead you to simple step-by-step instructions for the right connection method for your needs.

SUNet consists of local building networks and a backbone network that connects the local networks to each other and to networks off-campus. Networking staff provide training and support to approximately 400 local network administrators (LNAs) and offers local network support for a fee.

Stanford Network Self-Registration combines a web-based self-registration application and a “health check” tool to be run on the registering computer. Self-Registration is available only where a department has chosen to “opt-in” to the service. While making the process of network registration easier, its use can also improve desktop security and network records accuracy. To find out if Self-Registration is available in your department, contact your Local Network Administrator (LNA).

A Privileged Access Workstation (PAW), also called a Personal Bastion Host (PBH), provides a dedicated computing environment for sensitive tasks that is protected from Internet attacks and other threat vectors.

See Vulnerability Management (Qualys)

Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) is a protocol used by remote-access networking equipment — such as network access servers and VPNs — for authentication, authorization, and accounting.

TSO Signal Drawings are mechanical drawings of campus communication and conduit systems that allow Department IT Contacts, as well as Facilities Project Managers, to communications wall outlets, closets, and cables. TSO Signal Drawings are viewable online via CNSCAD. For security reasons, use of this tool is restricted to University employees.

Stanford’s VPN service allows any Stanford affiliate to connect to SUNet remotely from any available network connection almost anywhere in the world: including from home, from many hotels, and even from within some company networks.

Qualys vulnerability scanner finds security vulnerabilities in web applications and other network services and helps you remediate them.

Wireless networking allows Stanford faculty, staff, students, and sponsored visitors to access SUNet resources securely from locations where wiring is not available.

University IT's (UIT) wiring and construction services offer construction design and project management for certain projects, as well as the maintenance and management of the university's cabling systems, service vault infrastructure, and underground conduit systems.