campusnät

Campusnät, or campus network, is a private computer network that spans a university or college campus, linking buildings, dormitories, libraries, and laboratories to provide high‑speed data communication and access to centralized services. It forms the institution’s internal network and typically connects to the wider Internet through the university’s external connection.

The network architecture usually includes a core fiber backbone, distribution switches between buildings, and access equipment within each facility. To manage traffic and security, campuses employ VLANs for segmentation and centralized controls. Wireless coverage is provided by numerous access points, with modern deployments supporting standards such as 802.11ac/ax and seamless roaming. Internationally, many campuses participate in eduroam, a roaming WLAN service that allows authorized users to access networks at partner institutions.

Client devices obtain IP addresses via DHCP, and name resolution is handled by centralized DNS. Authentication is commonly implemented with 802.1X using a RADIUS server, enabling per-user access control. Remote access for staff and students is provided through VPN solutions, while guest networks offer limited access under terms set by the institution. Network services typically include centralized DNS and DHCP, VPN gateways, and web proxies or filtering as required by policy.

Security and monitoring are ongoing priorities, with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, vulnerability management, and log analysis guiding policy and incident response. The campusnät is governed by the university’s IT department or a dedicated infrastructure division, with policies governing access, usage, and privacy. IPv6 adoption and ongoing upgrades to bandwidth and reliability are common objectives as campuses expand digital services.