Oxford University is currently undertaking a major upgrade of its physical internet infrastructure, focusing on the replacement of 'FroDo' switches across its sites.
What is a FroDo and why is it important?
A FroDo (short for 'Front Door') is the internet router at each college or department, which allows these buildings to connect reliably to the University’s main network and the wider internet. They are essential for everything from sending emails to accessing online learning and research tools.
What is changing and why?
The FroDo Replacement Project is upgrading end-of-life switches to new infrastructure, supplied by HPE Juniper. The benefits of the new system will be felt across the University, providing:
- Greater reliability - fewer risks of outages that could interrupt teaching or research
- Improved resilience - built-in safeguards mean that if one part of the system fails, connections can continue through another route
- Future capacity - capable of faster connections that can handle the growing demands of digital learning, collaboration, and data-intensive research
The new switches will help ensure that everyone at Oxford can enjoy a faster, safer, and more dependable internet connection, now and in the future.
Latest progress
The project team has completed a successful pilot phase, installing HPE Juniper switches in twelve buildings across Oxford. This was followed by independent security testing, which confirmed there were no major vulnerabilities. With this assurance, the project is now commencing the large-scale rollout, with twenty-two more sites being upgraded during October. Installations will then continue in a phased approach into 2026, with careful planning to keep any disruption to a minimum and is expected to complete by the end of next year, with all 378 FroDos replaced.
By modernising these unseen, but essential gateways, this upgrade ensures Oxford’s digital backbone remains robust, secure, and ready for the future.
