Building the future: Student capstone project enhances University network architecture

A transformative collaboration

In an exciting collaboration, the ITS 6440 capstone project partnered with Ohio University's Office of Information Technology (OIT) Networking and Voice Infrastructure (NVI) team to provide students with invaluable hands-on experience.

Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Brandon Saunders and Network and Voice Infrastructure Architect Jeremy Kinnard, students engaged in real-world problem-solving, tackling the complexities of IPv6 deployment and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Understanding IPv6

IPv6, or Internet Protocol version 6, is a system used to identify and communicate with devices on the internet and private networks. It can be thought of as the digital equivalent of a mailing address for computers, smartphones, and other connected devices.

Unlike its predecessor, IPv4, which has been in use since the 1980s, IPv6 provides enhanced security, improved network performance, simplified configurations and expanded address space crucial for the growing number of internet-connected devices. As organizations worldwide adopt IPv6, Ohio University is taking proactive steps to modernize its network infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity for students, faculty and staff.

Connecting academia and industry

Saunders, who has a rich background in computer engineering and network management, has long been an advocate for integrating academic programs with real-world industry challenges.

"The ITS 6440 capstone class is designed to provide students with real-world experience, particularly in network engineering," said Saunders. The capstone project focuses on deploying IPv6 at the University by tackling real-world industry challenges that benefit both students and the institution.

Saunders requested projects from OIT that were not time-critical but could benefit from student contributions. The IPv6 deployment was a perfect fit, aligning with his long-term advocacy for IPv6 and the need for practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Real-world problem solving

Students played an essential role in the IPv6 transition, working alongside the OIT Network & Voice Infrastructure (NVI) team. Their work focused on designing and implementing a system that simultaneously supports both the new and the old protocols. Additionally, they addressed Layer 2 network optimization challenges to ensure seamless IPv6 deployment.

Abigail Otchill, one of the participating students, shared her experience: “Working with OIT on this project was incredibly insightful and hands-on. This collaboration went beyond theoretical learning and emphasized network planning, risk management, and security in IPv6 deployment.”

Students gained experience with industry tools like Arista EOS, InfoBlox, and GNS3, allowing them to simulate and test real-world network scenarios. This collaboration also emphasized strategic aspects of network planning, such as scalability, risk management, and security in IPv6 deployment.

Noah Bamfo echoed similar sentiments: “This project mirrored professional scenarios, helping us understand large-scale network planning, service migrations, and IPv6 implementation strategies.”

Mutual benefits for students and OIT

The collaboration has proven to be mutually beneficial. Students gained hands-on experience that translates directly to industry roles, while OIT received valuable insights and innovative solutions from student contributions.

Kwabena Akomea-Agyin highlighted the practical benefits of the project: “This project allowed us to move beyond classroom learning and tackle an actual industry challenge. The hands-on skills we gained, from IPv6 design to service migration planning, are crucial for careers in networking and IT infrastructure.”

For OIT, the partnership brought fresh perspectives and rigorous analyses of IPv6 deployment challenges. The students' work provided the NVI team with well-informed strategies for a smooth and secure transition to IPv6.

Looking Ahead

The success of this partnership has set the stage for future collaborations between ITS 6440 and OIT. Professor Saunders expressed optimism about expanding these opportunities: “The positive experience working with Jeremy and the OIT team highlights the importance of academic-industry partnerships. This collaboration not only benefits students but also contributes to meaningful advancements in the university’s IT infrastructure.”

Looking ahead, Saunders mentioned potential future projects, including the possibility of involving a single master’s student in a culminating project or thesis with OIT. He also recommended that other departments consider partnering with OIT for capstone projects, particularly those with a focus on computer science and networking.

As Ohio University continues its journey toward full IPv6 adoption, the ITS 6440 capstone project stands as a shining example of how academia and industry can work together to foster innovation, learning, and technological progress.