UTS picks Nexon for AUD $20 million network overhaul

UTS has selected Nexon Asia Pacific for a campus-wide network modernisation programme worth more than AUD $20 million, covering every UTS campus.

The multi-year project will replace the university's existing network and Wi-Fi infrastructure, including wired and wireless systems, core and edge infrastructure, data centre connectivity, and security controls. The overhaul is part of UTS's broader 2030 modernisation agenda.

Nexon won the contract through an open tender process that included other Australian technology suppliers. After design and proof-of-concept work, the build phase is expected to run for 18 months, with managed services, strategic advisory, and support continuing longer term.

A key part of the programme is rolling out Wi-Fi 7 across UTS campuses. The university said the latest wireless standard is intended to meet rising bandwidth demands and greater device density in a modern university environment.

The redesign will also embed AI functions within the network itself, rather than only through software applications, alongside zero-trust security principles. According to UTS and its partners, the programme will bring networking, security, and AI together through Extreme Platform ONE.

The project reflects growing investment by universities in core digital infrastructure as they respond to heavier data use, more connected devices, and rising interest in AI tools for teaching, administration, and research. Campus networks have also become more complex as institutions seek to support students and staff across multiple buildings and a wide range of services.

David Reeve, Chief Information Officer at UTS, said the programme reflects changing student expectations and future research demands.

"The students arriving at UTS by the end of the decade will be the first to have grown up with AI woven through their everyday lives," Reeve said. "They'll expect learning environments that match their digital fluency and research facilities built for the data volumes ahead. Our network has to be ready for them."

He said Nexon was chosen for its engagement, higher education experience, and ability to deliver at scale.

"The work starts now, and we're excited about what it enables for our students, staff and research," Reeve said.

Nexon said UTS had set out a clear brief for the role the network would play in its broader digital plans. The organisations involved in the project said Nexon has worked in Australian higher education for 25 years.

"UTS has a clear view of what it wants to deliver for its students, academics and researchers, and the network is central to making that possible," said Leon Slattery, Head of Network and Security Pre-sales at Nexon. "Our role is to build a modern, AI-ready, automated foundation that lets UTS's teams launch new services, support new research and respond to what comes next."

Extreme Networks is providing the platform for the project. It described universities as among the most demanding connectivity environments because of the volume of users and the need for secure, reliable access across large estates.

"Universities are among the most demanding network environments, with tens of thousands of students, faculty and staff relying on secure, consistent connectivity across multiple buildings. We're proud to work with Nexon to deliver the necessary network foundation so UTS can focus on modernising and improving experiences for everyone on campus," said Trevor Boal, Regional Director, Australia and New Zealand, Extreme Networks.