Network Unification is UCLA’s effort to modernize and unify campus networking to make it more reliable, more secure, and easier to operate. It includes foundational network infrastructure upgrades and a phased approach to building migrations.

The current network is aging and increasingly at risk. Reliability issues and security gaps create real operational pressure today. NU is a critical campus priority because modern, secure, and reliable networking is foundational for teaching, research, patient care, and everyday operations.

Funding is in place to complete the core infrastructure build and pilot. In parallel, the campus budget approval process continues for the broader program. Completing the pilot helps validate the technical approach and informs the plan and sequencing for the wider rollout.

If campus decisions require changes to scope, timing, or sequencing, we will communicate those updates once confirmed. The program team will share what is changing, why, and what it means for units—using the same predictable update channels.

Impact depends on the building/location and the type of network equipment. In pilot and Wave 1, the focus is on DTS-managed network services (MNS) equipment and stakeholders. Department-managed equipment is addressed differently and will be communicated as planning for broader waves progresses.

The goal of the pilot is to test and validate components of the new network design and migrate select devices onto the new network. The scope includes select building and telecommunication rooms (TRs), and DTS Managed Network Services (MNS) devices only. This phase includes pilot readiness activities, pre-migration meetings, migrations, and lessons learned.

Unit-facing preparation (e.g., discovery/coordination, readiness validation) for DTS MNS customers will begin in March 2026. Actual pilot migration activities are targeted for May 2026. In other words, March is preparation; May is when pilot migrations begin.

Waves are phased groups of buildings/units that transition to the new network over time. There will be a total of three waves; wave 1 is focused on DTS-managed customers and locations and waves 2-3 will include department-managed units and locations. 

Units will receive targeted communications ahead of any activity that affects their building or services, including readiness steps, expected timing, and points of contact. We will aim for “no surprises” and clear expectations as migrations approach.

Migration sequencing is planned in defined waves to balance technical readiness, dependencies, and operational risk. Wave 1 will focus on DTS MNS-managed locations, while Waves 2 and 3 will focus on department-managed locations. Units in each wave will have the opportunity to communicate known blackout dates or critical constraints. The program team will coordinate with units as planning becomes more detailed and will review any timing constraints through the appropriate governance process.

Any activity that may affect a service will be communicated in advance, including the expected timing and instructions. The intent is to minimize disruption and provide clear guidance on what to do before, during, and after a change window.

The future-state operating and funding model describes how the modernized network will be operated and supported long-term—roles and responsibilities, governance, operating processes, and how services will be funded and sustained as more of the campus transitions to the new network.

You can submit questions in advance using the Pop-In link provided with meeting invitations or email the project team at connectandsecure@it.ucla.edu. Questions received are tracked, grouped by theme, and addressed through live Q&A when possible, as well as follow-up FAQs and future updates.

Our intent is to provide quarterly program updates moving forward, supplemented by interim status updates through established channels and the NU web presence as it develops.

We will share recap materials after updates (when applicable) and post key information in this web space, including updated FAQs and links to additional resources as they become available.