OIT gives update on multi-year network upgrade project

Beginning in spring 2018, Ohio University’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) embarked on a multi-year project to completely refresh the University's internet infrastructure. One of the many project components was to convert the University’s public IP addresses to private IP addresses. 

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is the numerical identifier that enables communication between devices on the internet. A public IP address essentially makes a device visible to the public. Conversely, a private IP address allows for a substantially more secure internet connection. Converting IP addresses from public to private significantly improves the security of OHIO’s internet infrastructure and reduces the likelihood of malicious behavior impacting the University’s network.

As of last month, all IP addresses have been successfully converted to private addresses. This was a huge effort, affecting many University computers, printers, and other digital devices. Additionally, many employees and students were affected as OIT employees renumbered devices' IP addresses. OIT thanks the University community for its patience and cooperation. 

Over the course of this work, OIT identified several situations requiring the continued use of a public IP address. These devices were granted exceptions and preserved their public IP addresses to avoid business disruption. In early 2022, OIT will continue to develop and implement strategies to further reduce the security risks presented by public IP addresses.

For more information, visit the Network Upgrade Project webpage.