WHAT'S HAPPENING?
In concert with OIT, TSO will transition CCB and KACB core routers to Virtual Switching System (VSS) technology, which will allow for greater redundancy.  This will require multiple reboots so network connectivity will be affected for CCB, KACB and TSRB during the maintenance window.

 
WHEN IS IT HAPPENING?
Tuesday, May 10, 2016, from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM.

 
WHY IS IT HAPPENING?
To increase operational efficiency, boost nonstop communications, and scale system bandwidth capacity.  This is a reschedule of an earlier upgrade that had to be rolled back due to a bug with Cisco's software (see http://support.cc.gatech.edu/alerts/network-maintenance and http://support.cc.gatech.edu/alerts/coc-network-outage for details).  Monday, May 9th's router patching addressed the bug, and other routers on campus with that software version have been successfully running VSS.

 
WHO IS AFFECTED?
All CoC faculty, staff, and students.

 
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
Be prepared for intermittent network connectivity during the maintenance window.

 
WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS?
Feel free to contact the TSO Help Desk (CCB 148, 404.894.7065, helpdesk@cc.gatech.edu).


UPDATE:
The maintenance window had to be extended.  Following the transition, some issues arose including a sync error between the routers, one of the fiber channels going offline, and unresponsiveness of the main CoC firewall.  The problem was traced to a hardware error on one of the 40GB fiber connections.  The firewall was rebooted, and the faulty fiber connection was disabled until replacement parts can be installed.  The network was returned to normal operation at 8:10 AM, May 10, 2016.  TSO checked various systems after the migration to ensure they did not experience a DHCP address lease expiration.  Ccsamba was affected and was returned to service at 8:55 AM.