University of Oxford: Secure, Unified Research Infrastructure That Accelerates Discovery
Cisco replaces fragmented infrastructure with a unified platform that connects global research teams through high-capacity networking and supports demanding high-performance computing environments. Oxford researchers gain secure, reliable access to the resources they need to collaborate and advance their work.
Trusted by Leading Universities and Research Institutions
Higher education and research institutions depend on Cisco for secure, reliable campus networks and research infrastructure.
"“In partnership with Cisco, we were able to run either low cost or no cost pilots to demonstrate the use of technology.”"
"“We’re always looking at that vision. We’re trying to advance the students, trying to give them the opportunities that they need as they move forward and graduate.”"
"“Before, we were getting calls from our remote engineer saying, ‘Something’s wrong, something’s down, what’s going on?’. We didn’t have visibility into that infrastructure, but now, with Cisco agents [we do]. We can utilise a proactive point of entry for anyone to monitor and that’s been a game-changer.""
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from university CIOs about implementing Cisco networking infrastructure across campus environments, from research labs to historic buildings.
Trials and demosHow can we automate network segmentation for research environments on campus?
Cisco Catalyst and Cisco DNA Center support automated segmentation based on identity, device type, and context, allowing you to onboard new labs, instruments, and research services quickly while maintaining policy consistency. This reduces manual configuration time and lowers the risk of misconfiguration, freeing your network team to focus on higher-priority projects.
How do we get reliable wireless performance in historic buildings with thick walls and architectural constraints?
Cisco wireless access points and the Catalyst 9800 controller are designed for high-density and architecturally challenging environments. Site survey tools and predictive modeling help plan coverage, while flexible mounting options and low-profile antennas minimize visual impact. Advanced radio resource management adjusts coverage in real time to deliver consistent performance without requiring intrusive installation.
How does the campus network integrate with high-performance computing and data-intensive research workflows?
Cisco switches and routers support high-bandwidth, low-latency connections required for HPC clusters and large-scale data transfers. Open APIs and industry-standard protocols allow integration with cloud research platforms, storage systems, and workflow automation tools. Security features work alongside performance requirements, so you can meet compliance obligations without slowing down research operations.
Can we enforce a unified security policy across wired, wireless, and remote access throughout campus?
Yes. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) provides centralized policy management across wired, wireless, and VPN connections, applying access control based on user identity, device posture, and location. This gives your IT team a single point of visibility and enforcement, reducing operational complexity and ensuring consistent security across all network environments.
What support and resources are available?
For universities and research institutions, Cisco provides dedicated support resources. You can find technical documentation, implementation guides, and troubleshooting articles in our knowledge base. Our support team is available to help with configuration and deployment questions at mailto:support@cisco.com. You can also connect with our team on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco for updates and community discussions.
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