Network Engineering Team Spotlight: Enhancing Campus Connectivity Together

In our latest spotlight post, we’re turning the lens onto the collective achievements of our Network Engineering team—because sometimes, it’s the combined effort that creates the biggest impact. Even though some may shy away from the individual spotlight, celebrating each person’s contributions keeps us all connected to the incredible work happening across our department. 

Our Network Design, Engineering, and Operations team has been working around the clock to bring you a stronger, more resilient campus network. From major upgrades to meticulous planning, here are some highlights: 

Kyle Fozo has been leading many large-scale wireless upgrades across campus, transitioning UTM to Aruba technology. His work in Deerfield Hall has delivered a more reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi experience, and the next big project will be the Library—one of the central hubs of our campus community. “Replacing 1139 access points so far, with just 392 left, has been no small feat," Kyle notes. "We might just complete the entire campus upgrade before the next tech shift comes along!” 

Tan Yu has undertaken the complex task of upgrading the campus network's core layers to create a future-ready infrastructure. This upgrade improves network reliability, enhances connectivity across UTM, and establishes a foundation for advanced service offerings. By collaborating closely with the network engineering team, Tan is ensuring the new core network architecture is designed and built to support UTM's evolving technological needs. 

Reflecting on the keys to success in projects like this, Kyle Fozo suggests, “Clear communication is everything. Document everything, confirm your understanding, and ask clear, straightforward questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no' to keep everyone aligned. It’s a process that really helps us stay on track.” 

Eric Silva is managing the Campus Fibre Master Plan, spearheading the installation of new optical fibre cables across campus. His focus on meticulous planning ensures that UTM’s network backbone can support the ever-growing demand for connectivity and technology. 

In addition to this ongoing initiative, Eric recently completed a key project at HSC, where he successfully updated Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) systems. These updates enhance network reliability and provide critical protection against power anomalies, commonly referred to as "dirty power." This seamless implementation required careful planning and execution, bolstering the network’s resilience and ensuring uninterrupted operations. 

Yogesh Thakur and Adrian Sandu provide consistent and unwavering support to the Network Engineering team. They play a key role in every network initiative, handling tasks from monitoring and troubleshooting to supporting complex, large-scale projects. Their dedication ensures that even the smallest details are accounted for, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. 

Together, these initiatives are transforming network resilience, performance, and reliability at UTM. By staying connected with each other’s projects, we’re building a team culture of shared purpose and mutual support.  

Let’s take a moment to recognize our Network Engineering team for their hard work and dedication. Thanks to their expertise and commitment, our campus network is prepared to meet the needs of today—and tomorrow. Well done, team!