Introduction

The University of Macau established its Campus Network in 1993. Being the first institute in applying fibre and structured cabling system, The University built the first fibre network architectural complex of campus network in Macau. In 1998, the University further established the first high speed ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) network in Macau. In 2003, the University deployed Gigabit EtherChannel technology to build network with speed up to 8Gbps. On the other hand, in order to cope with the new VoIP technology, the University consolidated the traditional PBX communication system with IP telephone system in 2005. New campus buildings were also built with IP telephone network and the University was gradually stepping forward to Unified Communication. In 2009, the campus network backbone was further enhanced by upgrading from gigabit ethernet to 10Gbps high speed ethernet.

In addition to the provision of the high-speed wired network service throughout the campus, the University established the wireless network complied with the WiFi standards since October of 2001, which was the first large-scale wireless campus network in Macao. The first generation of UM wireless network supported the IEEE 802.11b industry standard, and provided the advanced dynamic WEP KEY technology of the day in user security. It also achieved the roaming function within single network segment.

In 2005, it was upgraded to the second generation system, which supported the IEEE 802.11b/g industry standards and provided up to 54 Mb connection speed. We further achieved the roaming function across multiple network segments.

In 2008, the system was replaced with the next generation wireless network with thin access point. The new system has great improvement in terms of its security, availability and management. It supported IEEE 802.11 a/b/g industry standard high-speed connection, various encryption schemes, total intelligent roaming service and comprehensive system monitoring technology. The signal coverage of the third generation system is further extended to classrooms, offices, Library, dormitories, and indoor public areas. Nowadays, teachers and students can use the wireless network to connect to the intranet anywhere, anytime, to enjoy various online services, Library online resources and the Internet access. In 2011, the wireless network which supports IEEE 802.11n industry standard was installed at Cultural Center and the STDM Auditorium located at the University Library.

Furthermore, remote wireless access points also provide a convenient and secure Intranet access service to some of the University external offices and external staff dormitories.

In 2009, UM joined eduroam – the international wireless roaming federations. As the first institution in this region involved in the project, the UM has taken the initiative in managing the infrastructure for the Macao region as well as providing technical consultation and pre-examination for membership approval.

In 2009, the Virtual Private Network services was upgraded from IP-SEC technology to SSL-VPN technology, in order to enable teachers and students to access the UM intranet resources securely with Web browsers.

Internet

The University of Macau has been very active in the development of Internet in Macau. The first Internet line in Macau was connected in the Univeristy of Macau in 1994. Aside from enabling the University to connect to everywhere throughout the world, it also established a window to enable people all over the world to contact and know Macau. The University of Macau was also the first institution in managing Domain Name Service for Macau (country code Top Level Domain - ccTLD).

The University of Macau successfully applied for an IPv6 address with 32 bits prefix in 2005, and started the earlier stage of IPv6 testing on the campus network and DNS service on campus. In 2011, cooperated with the local Internet Service Provider (ISP), the University of Macau successfully connected to the IPv6 Internet, our core network and DNS service now support IPv6 protocol (Our current IPv6 address is 2001:FF8:1::/48).

Starting from early 2012, the official website of the University of Macau (http://www.umac.mo) has been being accessible with IPv6 protocol. It passed internal validations as well as external IPv6-validation sites, and becomes the first educational institution web server in Macao supporting IPv6.

At present, our total bandwidth connecting to the Internet is 300 Mbps. We also have one 100 Mbps "peer to peer" link with our Internet service provider for the Macau Internet Exchange. All Internet traffic within the Macau region will go to the "peer to peer" link, which greatly improves the communication with local Internet service providers and local Internet users. In addition, we have a digital leased line connecting to SAFP (Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau).