Security Network Instructional Lab
Advanced security lab bolsters the SBA's Management Information Systems program

The Security Network Instructional Lab, which opened in Winter 2011 at Oakland University's School of Business Administration, gives students experiential learning opportunities without compromising the security of OU's computing systems or other systems that can be reached through the Internet.

Thanks to a generous donation of high-performance networking and security solutions from Juniper Networks and the recognized expertise of SBA faculty members in the field, the SBA's Management Information System program now offers students the unique opportunity to experiment online with network configurations, firewalls, and computer malware. The lab will also be used to simulate networked economies.

SBA faculty members also use this advanced lab to conduct research and explore issues relating to virtualization, surveillance, and information systems security.

The new lab enhances an already strong program that prepares students for careers in this growing field. Indeed, the United States Department of Labor predicts that careers for network systems and data communications analysts, and computer/network security will be among the fastest-growing occupations due to the importance of defending against the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks. A November 2010, 360 Environmental Scan, presentation by Public Sector Consultants indicates occupations in the information technology, defense, and security industries will be among the fastest growing in Michigan until 2020.

Lab Features

• Juniper Networks EX4200 Ethernet Switches
• J2320 Services Routers SRX210
• Services Gateways (secure routing and firewall with Unified Threat Management consisting of Intrusion Prevention System, Anti-Spam, Anti-Virus and Web Filtering solutions)
• Junos® operating system, a single OS operating across Juniper’s routing, switching and security solutions, to maximize network performance and security
• Virtualization features, allowing the creation and operation of multiple servers on one physical device, and clusters of servers which interact with each other much the same as servers act in the real world - providing opportunities for building simulations of new technologies in multiple server environments

Courses in the Lab

The SBA Network Laboratory will be a dedicated facility used by SBA faculty to teach courses in degree programs. The lab is equipped for teaching basic data communications concepts, LANs, client/server networking, network management, network administration, and IS Security. The faculty interest, student population, courses, and lab infrastructure will support a significant lab-based component within our undergraduate and graduate IS curriculum. The lab will have the means of providing maximum student exposure to networking, security, and information assurance technologies.

DIS offers undergraduate majors in Management Information Systems as well as a master's degree in MSITM. These courses are integrated with the School of Business Administration curriculum. Both programs have a significant focus on data communications, managing networks, developing network based applications, and IS security.

Across Campus

Additionally, the new lab can support programs in medicine, engineering, nursing and the liberal arts.