My talk will focus on how AI is being used to drive operational efficiency within RCSI. It should appeal to anyone who works in the networking field and any other institutions on a similar journey.

I will summarise the network transformation at RCSI that occurred over three years, from 2020 to 2023.

Initially, the focus was on a new smart building project in the planning stages. During equipment trials for this project, we decided to replace the entire network starting in 2021. This decision led to discussions about maximizing value in our CAPEX/OPEX. Automation was used to map current network capacity and assess potential footprint reductions, resulting in fewer access switches and more WiFi access points.

We upgraded traditional WiFi to AI-driven WiFi across all campus locations and migrated our switched network from legacy switches to a full SD-LAN system. Now, all new builds and renovations are entirely WiFi-driven, with cables to desks installed only on a case-by-case basis.

Recently, RCSI upgraded its security to cloud management, replacing all older appliances. We consolidated five firewall clusters into two, significantly increasing overall network capacity.

The migration to cloud-driven networking allowed us to redesign the network from a new perspective. While we haven't fully automated networking tasks, we now use adaptable out-of-the-box solutions that require less in-depth networking knowledge for administrators. AI plays a crucial role in our daily operations by identifying potential issues before they escalate, allowing us to address problems proactively before users notice or report them.

By the time the conference is held in November, we will have been utilizing AI for security for three months. Our goal is to enable less experienced staff to respond to security threats with AI assistance, ensuring our security configuration is as efficient as possible.