Case Study: University of Kentucky achieves 88× faster big-data transfers with HPE Aruba Networking SDN (Aruba 5400R & VAN)

University of Kentucky researchers move massive data loads easily with an SDN-enabled campus network

The University of Kentucky needed to move terabyte- and petabyte‑scale research data reliably across campus and to cloud partners, but traditional campus networks and perimeter science DMZs couldn’t handle pervasive big‑data flows or enforce security consistently. Researchers required a campus‑wide solution that kept desktops and servers on the network while providing high‑performance, policy‑controlled paths for scientific traffic without impacting the university’s 30,000 students, faculty and staff.

UK deployed Aruba 5400R OpenFlow‑enabled switches together with Aruba VAN SDN controller software to extend the science DMZ to the switch port, diverting research flows onto high‑bandwidth paths and bypassing performance‑sapping middleboxes while still enforcing security policies. More than 3,000 SDN‑enabled ports were rolled out, delivering an 88× performance improvement for big‑data transfers (reducing month‑long transfers to under eight hours), lowering router needs, and enabling a smarter, programmable campus network.

University of Kentucky

Cody Bumgardner

Director of Research Computing