Communications Network Model

The communications network is a critical campus resource that provides a service for the common good of the campus community. As such, it requires a stable funding model that is not reliant on dwindling Chancellor funds.

Introduction

The current communications network model at UC Berkeley was developed in 1998–1999 and implemented in 2000. Since then, technology has experienced rapid changes, and the size and complexity of the communications network has increased considerably. In addition, every day, the campus community finds new and innovative ways to use the network to achieve the University's mission of research, teaching, and public service.

Unfortunately, the funding model for the network has not kept pace with these developments and is not without its own problems. For example:

The existing model includes a "nodebank" which grandfathered in any existing data connections when the model was created and has resulted in a disproportionate benefit for departments that had many nodes at model inception, and an unequal burden for new departments or departments that have grown since that time.
There is no provision for the changing technology landscape.
The existing model requires a highly complex accounting method that has contributed to inaccurate calculations for network costs and depreciation expenses.
The current model is greatly dependent on constrained Chancellor funds.

Communications Network Funding Model project

To address this situation, Chief Information Officer Shel Waggener, Controller John Ellis, and Campus Budget Officer Teresa Costantinidis have jointly sponsored a project to

evaluate the current funding model for the UC Berkeley communications network, and
implement an updated model that will sustain this service through the next seven years.

The implementation of the new model is scheduled for July 2010.

Project information

Background and project status information are available via the following links:

Background and overview of the model [PDF]
Communications infrastructure: The next generation. iNews, April 2009.
Frequently asked questions

This website will be updated as the project progresses. Inquiries regarding the project should be sent to