New communications network debuts

May 16, 2005

In April, the college completed the installation of a data and voice network utilizing Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. The four-year project was part of a district-wide effort to plan and design a communications network capable of transmitting an increased level of data traffic.

According to Tran Hong, Director of Technology Services, by implementing the new technology the college now has a fast, reliable, and efficient network. And it is scalable. As the number of students increases and the college’s needs evolve, the system can adapt within the new infrastructure well into the future.

The previous communications system was incapable of adapting to cutting-edge multicast applications like streaming video, and was susceptible to outages. Now, according to Hong, the college uses a fully routable network with Domain Name Server (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Virtual Local Area Networks, (VLANs), all which offer nearly limitless growth and adaptability.

The project was completed with little disruption to the students or staff. The migration to the new network was done is less than ten hours; the new voice system was integrated in less than three days. More than 70 network devices such as routers and switches, 450 phones, and over 600 voice mailboxes were part of the conversion.

The VoIP Network was part of a $1.4 million technology refresh program that was paid for by the South Orange County Community College District. Improvements also include a technology upgrade to Channel 33, the college television station that broadcasts over local cable. IVC replaced its television broadcast equipment with a state-of-the-art media delivery system.