Deputed for Networking of Engineering Departments and Hostels of Engineering Students in University Computer Centre
- Mrs. Vibhu Sharma, System Analyst
- S. Santbir Singh, Programmer
Our Apparent Duties
To meet Common Expectations of different stakeholders in the University
- High speed of browsing
- Smooth authentication and access to authorised resources
- Secured delivery and transport of data to and from IT applications
- Device-centric information delivery and Simple "User Experience"
ਸੇਵਾਵਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਸੰਖੇਪ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ An Overview of Services
(1) Internet facility
UCC emerged as a pioneer podium in the state to extend campus wide Internet facility way back in the year 1996. It extended the facility through the CAMPUS BACKBONE (thick/ thin Ethernet now currently banking upon robust 20+ km of fibre optic backbone supported through 1 GB fibre/ 10 GB fibre links). The University has 155 Mbps bandwidth, made available under NKN-NMEICT project of MHRD. Rs. 50 Lac are being incurred on the service being provided for the period of 10 years w. e. f. December 2010. It has also dedicated 25 Mbps 1:1 uncompressed bandwidth for Internet facilities from M/s Quadrant Televentures Limited, Mohali. Rs. 3 Lacs are being incurred on the service being provided for the period of 1-year. The Campus Backbone is primarily being used to access On-line Journals, Library ERP, Net Surfing, Intranet Applications, Online Examinations, Placement of Students, Online Admissions, Hostel Administration and Surveillance. In the main campus, the facility has been extended to all the departments, administrative branches, hostels, research scholar flats and guesthouses through fiber links. As per policy, non-academic sites are disallowed using academic hours (10:00 am – 5:00 pm). Many faculty members, research scholars and students are making use of this facility for accessing online resources, electronic formats of theses and dissertations available in the repository of Shodhganga (Inflibnet-UGC), NPTEL study material and many more. The availability of the efficient, high-speed (Multi Gigabit) network backbone from National Knowledge Network (NKN) (with a bandwidth of 1 Gbps, with provisions of QoS and Security) and GARUDA’s migration to NKN gives many opportunities to exploit the Gigabit speeds for the scientific and engineering applications being run on the GARUDA.
(2) Campus-wide Local Area Network
The University has about 1500 nodes on its network. These are hooked to central backbone either through wired links/ Wi-Fi nodes. Xeon multi core x86 Intel Blade based technology processor servers on Linux/ Windows platform from IBM are being used to run various applications at UCC. About 14,000+ users are registered to use the campus Internet facilities on average. On spot Registration of Guests to allow them to use Internet facilities is also provided. Managed Campus Network on different VLANS is being managed through 3COM/ HP/ DLink manageable Layer 3 and Layer 2 switches. An NMS with Graphical Interface is employed to make certain proper working of various fibre segments. The power back up in the UCC to the servers has been provided through 7KVA on-line UPS with 120 AH maintenance free batteries with 6 hours back up. All the users in the University are authenticated through Cyberoam Firewall. Cyberoam UTM is being used to check on Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Spams, Intrusions, Indiscriminate surfing, Spyware, Phishing and Pharming, Bandwidth Abuse etc. at servers’ level in the UCC. Internet service provider also offers firewalls and other security solutions strengthening the UCC on the security front.
Intranets
The Accounts Branch is having its own Intranet (managed on the campus backbone through a separate VLAN/ firewall) connecting its offices at Administrative Block and Enquiry Office (Main Gate). Similarly, Examination Branch, Provost (Girls), Security Officer, RTI In-charge and Main Library do have their own Intranets and Virtual Hosts for various services being provided by them.
(3) Campus-wide Wireless Area Network
With the widespread use of iPads, iPhones, PDAs and Laptops the need for wireless access anytime, anywhere has dramatically increased. An escalating trend towards making use of smart devices for Net surfing, social networking and Emails etc., has been observed. For this, students need wi-fi LANs in the places of their ease. Students prefer wireless connectivity over the wired one for network services. Hostel inmates make use of campus backbone for accessing on line e-journals and net surfing. Wi-Fi hot spots and cost effective LAN solutions demand for Wi-Fi zones around the campus at many places. Presently, 400+ WAPs have been installed with thin and fat functionality in the Campus to set up Wi-Fi zones in all-important places and departments in the University. Five Wireless Controllers installed in UCC check upon rogue WAP/ laptop/ Smart hand held devices users getting into the Campus LAN. These controllers also show various WAP positions pictorially. All Wi-Fi users have to register their laptops through Hostel Wardens with UCC. Manageable WAPs (Majority DLink) are being used to statically bind these laptops.
(4) Website management
Punjabi University, Patiala is also pioneer to launch its own website www.pujabiuniversity.ac.in in the region. The website incorporates all important facets and features related to the University. It is a rich collection of images, videos and digital assets that are being hosted on a web server engaged by the UCC and accessible via the Internet. The UCC owns space of 25GB from M/s Quadrant Televentures Limited, Mohali (10 GB web space is being provided on a goodwill gesture by the ISP). Another 150GB web space is being rented from M/s Pugmarks InterWeb Private Ltd, Chandigarh. The website is being managed in WISA and LAMP environments. Primarily, Open Source Software/ tools are used to create the Web Pages. Any professional/ proprietary resources required are suitably subscribed. Official Website Link. http://punjabiuniversity.ac.in
(5) Software Development and Resource Facilitator
The system officers have been carrying out software development activities of the various administrative/ secretarial branches of the University on demand basis. The job profile of System Officers of the Centre includes BPR studies and ERP implementation in the University system. It involves carrying out requirement analysis, pre evaluation screening, evaluation package, purchasing generic modules, gap analysis, customising generic modules, reengineering, team training, testing, and maintenance and post implementation of these modules. The technical staff of the UCC have been instrumental in introducing complete Online Admission Application while integrating it with Payment Gateway and SMS Gateway to the various courses run at the main campus, neighbourhood campuses, regional campuses and its constituent colleges. The staff of the Centre is competent enough to provide solutions on server, storage, security, switching, structured cabling, surveillance, connectivity (wired and wireless), computing devices and peripheral devices. The UCC determines the IT related purchases at all micro/ macro levels in the University. Central Purchase Committee duly approved by the University makes all purchases related to hardware’s / software’s. In the capacity of technical members on the CPC, Systems officers of the UCC suitably formulate these purchases.
- Conducts recruitment tests for various secretarial/ ministerial positions.
- Conducts short time courses, workshops, technical events, trainings for students, research scholars, staff, teachers and common people.
- Conducts short term training programmes in association with Women’s Study Centre and other Departments/ branches for Persons with Disability/ Physically Challenged school goings/ rural girls.
(6) PG Diploma Courses
An initiative of the UCC employees, who are technical and classified by UGC as Academic non-vacation, in running Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (a minor course that can also be pursued additionally by on-campus students for augmentation of their major degree programme), in Computer Maintenance and Networking (Minor Course) and in Internet and Web Designing (Minor Course). Classes are conducted in the evening after office hours. The courses allow fifty students to enhance further their employment opportunity. Additionally, five employees are also accommodated to the course. Minimum number of students (twenty at least) enrolment to these courses is a binding.
(7) Video Conferencing
A modest facility has been set-up using 10x Optical Zoom Life Size PTZ motorised Camera with 45 to 120 degree horizontal and vertical focusing, 42” LCD Monitor, through in-built Skype connection/ on direct IP based connection to communicate with far-end user. Presently it is on one to one communication. This facility is being intensively used for Online Examinations, PhD Registration and submission, Viva-Voce, Interactive Lectures, Placement Interviews and Meetings.
(8) Annual Maintenance Contracts/ Services
The lifetime of a desktop/ laptop is supposed to be of four years. Similarly, all servers are supposed to be set up for five years. Manufacturer sets the lifetime of active networking equipment. Generally, all commercial computing machines/ active components come with three years warranty. Experiences commensurate that these machines become out of use due to non-availability of components or these are not backed up for by downward compatibility of upgraded software. Hardware faults are quite infrequent. Accordingly, service support is sought rather than going for comprehensive AMCs. The UCC generally goes with the third party support for AMC/ Service Contracts on annual basis. Departments/ Branches who have their own technical staff are being provided training, if required by them.
A brief synopsis of sought after services is as:
- Desktops/ Laptops/ Departmental LAN
- Campus Backbone
- Repairs/ Replacement
- Equipment
(9) Green Computing/ e-Waste Management Policy
University Computer Centre is working as Nodal Agency headed by Director, Computer Centre to implement e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules at University Level as per the standards laid down by Pollution Control Board.
(10) Computing Facilities (H/w and S/w)
Tendency in the campus is to provide strong backbone, LANs and Hot spots. Majority of the students prefer bringing their own smart devices for computing. Around 2000+ computing machines are available in the campus. The University has identified four computer labs of Computer Engineering Department (180 Computers), one lab of Computer Science Department (50 Computers), one lab of School of Management Science Department (50 Computers) and one lab of University Computer Centre (20 Nodes) that are being used as Centralised Facility for conducting placement examinations, typing tests and other online tests. All these nodes are with internet facility.
UGC Grants Received by University Computer Centre up to March 2017
Date | Approval Letter Number | Amount Sanctioned (Rs) | Released (Rs) |
6-4-1985 | F 17-2/78(SR.-dt II/I)dt | 7,76702/- | 7,75,000/- |
9-5-94 | F.1-29/92(comp.) | 8,00,000/- | 8,00,000/- |
24-2-94 | F-32-6/96 (SU II) | 5,00,000/- to University against damage due to floods as third instalment | 2,00,000/- was allotted to UCC |
30-11-2000 | 1-29/92 (computer) | 12,00,000/- | 9,60,000/- released on 15-12-00
2,40,000/- released on 15-01-02 |
2-3-2000 | F 58-1/99 (su-2) | 25,00,000/-(Under Special assistance programme to University ) | 2,40,000/- released on 15-01-02 |
12-01-07 | F.6-80/2006 (Comp /Tech) | 23,00,000/- | 18,40,000/- |
25-02-09 | 585/;-1$ ghHn?wH:{$1187 | 8,00,000/- (General Development Grant under 11th Five year Plan) | 8,00,000/- Additional Amount of Rs. 6850/- was sanctioned vide letter no. 893/;-1$ ghHn?wH:{$1187 dated 1-4-09 |
20-3-12 | 901/;-1$ ghHn?wH:{$1187 | 50,00,000/- (General Development Grant under 11th Five year Plan) | 50,00,000/- |
17-10-12 | 2612/;-1$ ghHn?wH:{$1320 | 10,00,000/- (General Development Grant under 12th Five year Plan) | 10,00,000/- |
30-03-16 | F. No. 90-23/2016(Wi-Fi/SU-I dated 30.3.2016) Under General Component Code 31 (General) | Providing Wi-fi connectivity under the centrally sponsored plan scheme on National Mission on Education through information and communication technology | 6,27,750/- |
30-03-16 | F. No. 90-23/2016(Wi-Fi/SU-I dated 30.3.2016 Under SC Component Code 31 (General) | - do- | 1,21,500/- |
30-03-16 | F. No. 90-23/2016(Wi-Fi/SU-I dated 30.3.2016 Under ST Component Code 31 (General) | - do- | 60,750/- |
An Overview of the Events organised by University Computer Centre
- A workshop on ‘ADVANCED NETWORK SECURITY MANAGEMENT’ organized by ‘Cyberoam’ held at Punjabi University, Patiala. (29th July, 2010)
- One-day D-Link Technical workshop held at Punjabi University, Patiala. (3rd Dec., 2010)
- A workshop on ‘Leveraging Internet to Redefine College Application Process’ organized by ‘Academic Staff College’ and ‘University Computer Centre’ held at Punjabi University, Patiala (20th October, 2011)
- A workshop on “National e-Governance Plan (NeGP)” organized by “DoIT, Ministry of Communications & information Technology, Govt. Of India” and “University Computer Centre”, held at Punjabi University, Patiala. (22nd December, 2011)
- A one-day workshop on “Emerging Trends in Wireless Technology and Mobility Solutions” D-Link, Organised by UGC Academic Staff College, in collaboration with University Computer Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala held on dated 5th November, 2012.
- A one-day workshop on “Aruba Wireless Solutions for Education Segment” Organised by UGC Academic Staff College, in collaboration with University Computer Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala held on dated 9th November, 2012.
- A one day technical workshop on “Smart Technologies in Education” Organised by UGC Academic Staff College, in collaboration with University Computer Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala held on dated 15th January, 2013.
- One-day technical workshop on “Printing, Copier and Scanning Devices” organized by Organised by UGC Academic Staff College, in collaboration with University Computer Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala held on dated 12 September 2014.
Technical Staff members of the University Computer Centre remain agile and adopt solutions, which secure the network against known and future unknown threats by going through firewall knowledgebase, by remaining in touch with support executives/ experts of firewall (Cyberoam), Switches (HP), Controller (DLink etc) and ISP (NIC HFCL), OEMs of Desktops, Laptops, Printers and Servers, Software Giants like Microsoft etc. Technical staff members of the Centre attended such meets. A glimpse of these is as
- Two-day workshop by Fortinet.
- One day visit to Punjab University Chandigarh to study the network management with Aruba and Fortinet.
- An event by Red Hat and CISCO to understand simplified Cloud Computing infrastructure so as to accelerate IT delivery by embracing and open culture
- A workshop at IISER, Mohali “Awareness & Knowledge Sharing” by NKN about its LAN design, DDoS Protection, MOOCs, Cyber Crime and Challenges for Law enforcement, Web services in field of Medical Sciences and High Performance Scientific Computing.
- Specific webinars on endpoint protection, safeguard against malware and advanced threats, Red Hat Linux from Linux Leaders etc.
- One-Day Orientation cum- Training Programme on “URKUND Plagiarism detection tool" provided by INFLIBNET at JNU, Delhi.
- Three day workshop on National Convention on Digital Initiatives In Higher Education at Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
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