This is the last IT News & Updates blast of the year. I want to update you on the status of our internet connections, the server room clean-up/remodel, and the old TFREC server termination.
INTERNET AND CONNECTIVITY
They’ve completed the planned internet reconfigurations. There are a few lingering issues affecting some individuals. Most of these manifest as problems connecting to the Ricoh printer and some specialty equipment. There are two underlying causes. The first relates to the use of the older WiFi access points (APs; i.e., routers). The other has to do with devices still using the old 207 IP number series. I’ll breakdown the plans to deal with these.
- Old WiFi: Because of the age of these routers (Medlar, Molab, Emily, Apple, etc.), they were unable to update the security protocols. This means they couldn’t give these routers full access to the WSU network without risking the integrity of the entire network. So they now have “guest” access only. However, they did do a work-around to allow some network access for things on our local network. But some people still have problems with their connectivity. Those who still have problems connecting to the Ricoh or other local devices, or the internet in general, need to submit support tickets for help.
The only way to regain full connectivity to the WSU network is to use the wired data lines or connect using the WSU WiFi APs that we have. Unfortunately, we only have two APs currently installed (lobby and server room) so coverage is sparse. We would need to install one or two more for the main floor of Overley to have full coverage. These are $500 each (device + 5yr license). - Old 207 IP addresses: The problem isn’t the number series. The problem is in part because some of the devices using those numbers rely on an old computer (black box) to “serve” them the numbers every time they boot up their device. If the old computer fails, no more IP address. And, if there is a short-term disruption to the connection to this server you may have to go through various incantations to get it and your device reconnected to the internet. There are two solutions for this. The first is for your device using the old number be reset to get a number from the WSU network dynamically (if you have full access to the network). The second is for Nick to come here and reconfigure the Meraki equipment to take over the role of the old IP server. He may need to do this anyway to ensure that the AMS units keep the 207 numbers intact (required by that system). And, we want to decommission the old, unmaintained black box anyway (see note 2 below). Nick’s next semi-planned trip out is mid-February.
SERVER ROOM CLEAN-UP/REMODEL
Nick and Michael successfully repositioned the server/network racks to consolidate space at the back of that room. The next step is to “build a wall” closing off general access to this equipment. There will be a door – either built into the wall or using the one leading to room 149 – for maintenance access to the equipment. The rest of the room will be remodeled as usable office space for Kate’s and/or Carolina’s programs. You’ve no doubt noticed the table and stuff in the hallway outside room 149a. This is the beginning of removing items from that space in preparation for the remodel. We also have to finish moving the other computer equipment in that room. Some will be relocated behind the wall once a shelf is installed. Other’s will be decommissioned. Here’s what’s happening:
- The old Jenny/dialogue server will be “unplugged” at the end of March. Most of you have new places for that content, such as on tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu/…. I suggest that you request CAHNRS set up a redirect from the older sites to your new tfrec.cahnrs site(s). This way people will get used to going to the new site. Also, when people search for your site content in Google or other search engines, the old site is likely to rank higher just because it’s been around longer. And even when the plug is pulled, those search engines have long memories and will still try to send people to a dead-end site. The redirect will prevent that.
- The old file share server will be decommissioned. This is the same “black box” that currently serves the 207 IP addresses. Once Nick moves that function to the Meraki equipment the old share/storage function needs to be addressed. There are five directories that have been identified on that computer: Beerslab, Breed, HortSci, Office, and Pathlab. Some of these have switched over to WSU cloud services. Those that have not – I need you to identify yourself so we can find you a backup/sharing solution. If you move to WSU cloud services, Nick and Michael can move your content for you. However, each associated program will have to pay for their own services. The Center does not have the resources to cover this. We are hoping to decommission this piece of equipment as soon as possible (i.e., Nick’s next visit out).
OLD SERVER DECOMMISSIONING AND FINAL MIGRATION OF TFREC WEBSITES
I’ve already touched on this, but I think it needs to be stressed again. The old Jenny/Dialogue/and all associated “local” websites will be terminated at the end of March. The only reason it hasn’t already happened is that the commission has their reports database housed there. They need extra time to have a new database built to house those files. The WSU IT security people are breathing down my neck to get this off the network. If you still have active sites that have not been relocated to tfrec.cahnrs or elsewhere, let me know so we can get the ball rolling to deal with this. If you have something that is database driven on there you will need to contract with WSU or someone private to rebuild this for you. And if there is anything you would like integrated into the TreeFruit.wsu.edu website, let me know and I’ll work with you. So, if you have anything still active on that old server (on dialogue or predating WordPress), I need to know so we can work out a plan ASAP.
I will be away for the Holidays starting this coming weekend and returning to work on the 4th of January. If you have any IT related problems during that period, you will need to contact CAHNRS IT.
Thanks everyone and
Happy Holidays!
Wendy