The Networks and Hardware Section plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless connectivity for users to access ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services. This connectivity is provided through both wired and wireless media.

For guided media, the section utilises copper cables and optical fiber. Copper cables are commonly used for Ethernet connections at user access level, while optical fiber offers high-speed and long-distance transmission capabilities for uplinks between building and connecting Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These media are essential for establishing reliable and high-bandwidth connections within the network infrastructure.

Wireless access is controller-based and implemented using Cisco and Ruckus brands. These technologies enable the deployment of wireless networks that provide connectivity to users without the need for physical cables. Cisco and Ruckus are well-known vendors in the networking industry, offering robust and scalable wireless solutions.

User access to the network is granted through authentication servers, which enforce the three triads of information security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA). By authenticating users, the section ensures that only authorised individuals can access the network, maintaining the security and privacy of the ICT services.

In addition to connectivity and access control, the section is responsible for enforcing cybersecurity best practices. This includes implementing network firewall security policies to protect against unauthorised access and malicious activities. Regular user password changes are enforced to enhance security, and vulnerability assessments are conducted periodically to identify and address potential weaknesses in the network infrastructure. These measures aim to improve the overall cybersecurity posture of the university.

The section also manages the virtualised data center, which is designed to ensure high availability of services. Redundancy is implemented at all hardware levels to minimise downtime and maintain service continuity. Regular server maintenance and hardware upgrades are performed to keep the infrastructure up to date and efficient.

The virtualised data centre enables the provision of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud services to sister institutions such as Gwanda State University, Lupane State University, Solusi University, Hillside Teachers College, and others. This allows these institutions to leverage the university's IT infrastructure and resources, enabling efficient sharing and utilisation of computing resources.

Furthermore, the section is in charge of running the telecommunications systems, that has evolved to purely Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. VoIP allows voice communication to be transmitted over the network infrastructure, enabling cost-effective and flexible telephony services compared to traditional telephone systems. 

Overall, the Networks and Hardware Section plays a vital role in ensuring reliable connectivity, enforcing cybersecurity measures, managing the virtualised data centre, and running telecommunications systems to support the university's ICT services and enable seamless communication and collaboration.

The section has a staff complement consisting of various roles, each responsible for specific tasks and reporting to the Networks and Hardware Manager. Here are the key roles within the section:

1. Network Technicians: Network Technicians are responsible for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network infrastructure components. They handle tasks such as setting up routers, switches, and access points, troubleshooting network connectivity issues, and ensuring smooth operation of the wired and wireless networks.
2. Telephone Technicians: Telephone Technicians specialise in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of telecommunication systems, including VoIP technologies. They are skilled in configuring phone systems, managing extensions, and resolving issues related to voice communication.
3. Systems Administrator: The Systems Administrator is responsible for managing the virtualisation environment of the data centre and overseeing the server infrastructure. They handle tasks such as server provisioning, virtual machine management, software installation and updates, system monitoring, and backup and recovery. Systems Administrators ensure the high availability and reliability of services hosted in the data centre.
4. Cybersecurity Analysts: Cybersecurity Analysts focus on safeguarding the network infrastructure and data from security threats. They are responsible for implementing and monitoring security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, antivirus software, and security incident response. Cybersecurity Analysts also conduct vulnerability assessments, analyse security logs, and develop strategies to mitigate risks and enhance the overall cybersecurity posture.
5. Network Engineers: Network Engineers design, plan, and implement network infrastructure solutions. They have expertise in network architecture, protocols, and technologies, and work on tasks such as network design, capacity planning, network optimization, and performance tuning. Network Engineers collaborate with other teams to ensure the network meets the organization's requirements and supports the efficient delivery of ICT services.

All of these roles collaborate under the leadership and guidance of the Networks and Hardware Manager. The manager oversees the section's operations, sets goals and objectives, manages resources, coordinates projects, and ensures effective communication and alignment with the university's strategy and goals.

The section streamlines workflows and processes and automates core functions to boost the institution’s efficiency, improve productivity, and implement new business models. We aim to improve the stakeholder experience by transforming manual processes, minimising errors, standardising processes, and liberating employees to concentrate on more strategic, value-added activities. We want to shift the responsibility of completing routine tasks from humans to machines, saving our employees time and allowing them to work smarter, not harder. This assists in delivering massive productivity gains and operational efficiency throughout the organisation. We work closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities to automate processes, improve operational efficiency, and drive digital transformation. We have extensive experience in process improvement, automation, and digital transformation. We have strong technical knowledge of automation technologies, as well as excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Leading in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment. Performing unit and end-to-end testing to ensure software quality and resolve defects. Establishing governance frameworks, policies, and standards to enable secure, reliable, and scalable automation.

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