During the Tuesday, June 18th maintenance period, maintenance work will be performed on the Rhodes University firewalls and network routers, potentially causing Internet access outages. This work will start at 5:30 PM.
The two current edge routers will be replaced with new ones. This change involves reconfiguring the existing core routers and border firewalls to accommodate different physical connections, and then installing the new edge routers. (There is a slightly outdated diagram showing these various components available for those who may be interested.)
At best, this change will involve a series of short Internet outages, each lasting no more than a few minutes. However, given the nature and complexity of the change, it is possible (and perhaps likely) that there will be somewhat longer outages. All work should be completed before midnight.
These changes are occurring to facilitate a connection to a second Internet service provider (Neotel), due to be delivered by 1 July. As such they cannot be delayed until the next major maintenance window without the University incurring unnecessary expenses.
This work is being conducted during a minor maintenance period. Should there be a compelling reason why this work should not go ahead as planned, please email our Help Desk before 5 PM on Tuesday. (Information about maintenance windows and maintenance periods is available.)