June 2026 CIO Update
As we end Fiscal Year ’26 and prepare for the upcoming Fall semester, I’d like to share some information regarding a couple of key infrastructure improvements. Reliable network connectivity is the invisible backbone of our University, enabling everything from teaching and learning to research and daily administrative operations. To ensure this foundation remains robust and secure, Technology Services is committed to building scalable and nimble infrastructure that supports our community’s evolving needs. Two recent initiatives highlight this ongoing work.
Strengthening Core Network Services: DNS/DHCP Modernization
Over the past year, the Infrastructure Services team completed a major migration of the University’s central DNS and DHCP services to EfficientIP. While these services operate behind the scenes, they play a critical role in the daily experience of our students, faculty, and staff.
- DNS (Domain Name System) acts as the “address book” of our network, translating familiar names like vcu.edu into the numeric IP addresses computers use to locate resources.
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns these numeric addresses to our devices when they connect, enabling seamless and secure access to other services throughout the University.
Together, DNS and DHCP quietly support everything from accessing websites and email to research systems, classroom technologies, and campus operations.The adoption of EfficientIP for these services was driven by the need for a more sustainable fiscal model, as well as an opportunity to modernize how we deliver core network services. The new platform introduces a more flexible and scalable foundation that reduces reliance on legacy infrastructure while strengthening our ability to support future growth and emerging technologies.
The scope of this effort was significant, requiring the migration of more than 16,000 internal DNS records, approximately 9,000 external records, and over 2,000 DHCP scopes. Through careful planning, extensive testing, and close collaboration with campus partners and vendors, work was completed with minimal disruption and was largely unnoticed by most users.
The new platform also enhances resilience and availability. Specifically, by extending DNS services into the public cloud, we have improved redundancy and strengthened uptime for both internal and Internet-facing resources.
Transforming Wireless Connectivity: 3,000+ New Access Points
In parallel with core network enhancements, Infrastructure Services also completed a large-scale effort to replace more than 3,000 legacy wireless access points across our Monroe Park and VCU Health campuses.
Wireless connectivity is a key enabler of student success, research innovation, and daily operations at VCU. Many of the devices that support these functions were reaching “end-of-life,” meaning they would no longer be eligible for security updates or vendor support. Replacing this equipment reduces risk, improves performance, and positions the University to take advantage of modern wireless capabilities.
Delivering this initiative required extensive coordination across more than 130 buildings, including classrooms, residence halls, offices, and research environments with specialized access and safety requirements. The team worked closely with building managers, campus stakeholders, and vendor partners to complete installations while minimizing disruption to daily learning, research, and operational activities.
The new Cisco Meraki and Catalyst access points provide improved performance, enhanced security, and modern management capabilities. These tools provide our teams with greater visibility into network health, while advancing a resilient foundation that supports collaborative learning, research, and student success.
Thanks to the teams who meticulously planned and implemented these critical improvements! Stay tuned for next month’s blog, where I will focus on changes and improvements in our Learning Systems area.
Have a wonderful summer!