Episode 15 | Driving UT Forward: The Network Never Sleeps

In this episode of ET Talk, Cole Camplese speaks with Associate Vice President of Infrastructure John Lovelace and Director of the Office of Telecommunication Services JJ Stonebraker about the people, planning and infrastructure behind the networks that support research, teaching, health care and everyday campus life. 

The conversation explores the evolution of the statewide network from early 25-kilobyte connections to today’s 400-gigabit infrastructure. The guests explain how UT and its partners move massive amounts of data, prepare for high-traffic events, respond to fiber cuts and other disruptions, and design resilient systems that can redirect traffic when part of the network is unavailable. 

The episode also examines the modernization of UT Austin’s campus network, which serves hundreds of thousands of wired and wireless devices and supports everything from laptops and research instruments to building systems, sensors and life-safety technology. They discusses how AI agents are helping network teams monitor infrastructure, compare network conditions before and after planned maintenance, communicate operational updates and identify potential problems before users are affected. They also reflect on the continuing importance of human experience, creativity, communication and judgment when applying AI to complex work.