Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (FCSE) at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University with VyOS: A Case of Resilience and Innovation

Customer Overview

The Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (FCSE) of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia, is a premier educational institution. When the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a swift transition to online learning, the faculty faced significant technological challenges to maintain educational continuity.

Challenge

Vladislav Bidikov, Senior System Administrator, needed a robust solution to move the faculty’s operations online quickly. The faculty needed to establish an online presence using its own platform hosted in its data center. The solution required high flexibility and familiarity to ensure a rapid deployment within a demanding timeframe.

Why VyOS

VyOS, known for its reliable virtual router solutions, became the tool of choice. The decision was further supported by the 'VyOS for Good' program, which provides educational institutions with access to enterprise-grade software solutions without associated costs. Key reasons for choosing VyOS included:

Reliability: Proven performance in demanding environments.
Flexibility: Compatibility with various virtual machine environments, such as VMware and KVM.
Cost Efficiency: The 'VyOS for Good' program ensures access to robust network solutions typically beyond the budgetary reach of educational institutions.
Support: Access to prompt technical assistance and updates ensures the network infrastructure remains secure and up-to-date.

Implementation

Within just seven days, the faculty was able to establish an online presence. Vladislav highlighted a three-pronged approach to using VyOS:

Core Production: VyOS runs smoothly as a core router for essential services, proving its reliability and performance.
Student Experimentation: Students explore various networking technologies using VyOS, which supports a range of configurations and adaptations.
Virtualization: The software efficiently routes large volumes of internet traffic and maintains connectivity for educational tools via VMware and KVM.

Results

VyOS has been instrumental in the faculty's ability to adapt and innovate. The software helps foster a community of diverse organizations benefiting from improved network capabilities. Key outcomes included:

Rapid Transition: Successfully moved operations online within seven days.
Educational Impact: Enabled students to gain hands-on experience with enterprise-level network configurations and routing protocols.
Operational Stability: Maintained a stable and effective educational environment during critical times.

Looking Ahead

As FCSE continues to innovate and expand its network capabilities, VyOS remains a central component of its infrastructure.

Future Technologies: The faculty looks forward to integrating upcoming features like Vector Packet Processing (VPP) and Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) to stay at the forefront of networking technology education.
Lab Environment: The faculty plans to develop a mixed lab environment that will further utilize VyOS to simulate real-world networking scenarios for students.