Update on network issues

Computing and Network Services would like to apologize for network disruptions experienced recently, describe the nature of the issues (specifically how peer to peer software and spyware are impacting the network), and let the community know what steps we are taking and plan to take to maintain our usually high reliability and quality of service.

We've had at least four different issues that have contributed to slow campus network performance, cluster server instability, and problems with our Internet connection.  Two of those issues have been problems causing cluster nodes to go down, and then the cluster having trouble restoring service when a node does fail.  We are working with Novell to resolve these issues, and we will require periodic cluster restarts and limited cluster downtime while we diagnose and attempt to fix this issue.  Such work will be announced with network broadcast messages.

The other two problems have been network related.  The third is an issue with our traffic shaping device that has been resolved with the vendor.  That device is now functioning normally.  The last issue stems from an increase in destructive network traffic due to the presence of Blaster and Nachi viruses, mainly on student computers and an increase in spyware and adware and the use of peer-to-peer software, specifically Blubster, by students.  This traffic disrupts normal operation of the network.    CNS stresses that the campus network and student computers are provided primarily for academic use, and use of the computers that disrupts normal operation is a violation of the Campus LAN agreement. We have been able to tolerate these issues until now, but the nature of the Internet and the growth of malicious software and file trading means that we can no longer do so.  Please take this opportunity to check your computer for viruses, remove spyware and P2P software, and make your computer a good network citizen.  If voluntary steps do not improve this situation, CNS will work with the University administration to determine an appropriate course of action to preserve a usable network for all.

CNS staff are working day and night to diagnose and resolve these issues, and will continue to do so until the problems are resolved.  We ask that you help us by providing information about your computer if asked, and complying with recommendations and requests in email or on the CNS website.  At this point we are attempting to get as much information as possible to resolve these issues.

We thank the community, as always, for their patience and understanding.   We will be using the CNS website to send out updates on these issues when we have them.