Kategorie: ‘Fun & Facts’
The RWTH IT Center at the 12th Aachen Company Run
Source: Own illustration
The IT Center of RWTH Aachen University was once again represented at this year’s event. On Friday 19 September 2025, a total of 7,523 runners from 518 companies took part in the race. As usual, the sporting event took place around Pascalstraße in Aachen-Oberforstbach.
Technical Background to the X-Win Conversion
Source: Own Illustration
On June 10, 2025, we successfully converted RWTH’s network connection to the German science network (X-WiN) to a new generation of routers. You can also read more information in the blog post. These important components of the network infrastructure were replaced with more powerful and energy-efficient devices. In this article, we take a look behind the scenes of the technical changeover: Why was it necessary? What was replaced? How did the complex conversion actually work?
Team UX at the IT Center
Source: Own Illustration
In this series, the IT Center’s UX team reports on its work. When developing interactive systems such as websites and apps, not only HTML, CSS and JavaScript play a decisive role, but also usability and user experience. Put simply, this refers to the question of whether a system supports its users in achieving their goals effectively, efficiently and satisfactorily and what perceptions and reactions result from using a system.
At the IT Center, we also focus on the usability and user experience of our systems. User tests such as the annual satisfaction survey on the RWTHapp are a key tool that we use for this. You can find this year’s results here.
New Root Certificate for eduroam & RWTH-Institutes
Source: Own Illustration
On September 9, 2025, the root certificate for the RADIUS server of eduroam and RWTH-institutes will be changed to the new DFN Community Root CA 2022 as part of a regular security measure. From this point on, only the new certificate will work – it will no longer be possible to use the old one. To ensure that you remain connected securely and without problems after September 9, you should update your WLAN configuration in good time.
AI Explained Simply: Overview of the Most Important Terms
Source: Own illustration
Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been part of our everyday lives. It assists with translating, helps with online searches or answers questions in the form of chatbots.
You can find more information about AI in this blog under the tag KI.
But what exactly is AI and how does it work? To better understand this, we asked RWTHgpt, our AI-supported chatbot. Who, if not him, could better explain how AI works? In the following graphic, RWTHgpt describes itself:
Change Management in IT: Planning and Implementation Using the Example of the X-WiN Routing Switch
Source: Own Illustration
IT systems are never really “finished”: no sooner has a change been successfully implemented than the software has to be updated or hardware replaced elsewhere. These changes keep us on our toes in the IT Center, but they also pose a challenge in terms of organisation. In this blog post, we take you behind the scenes of change management and use the example of the X-WiN routing switch to show you how we plan such a change in advance.
AI Washing: Is There Even AI in It at All?
Source: Own illustration
In the age of the AI, artificial intelligence is a central component of almost all new technologies. From mobile learning apps to soft drink recipes: AI is being used everywhere. At least according to the manufacturers. Can this even be true? Why is it so important for companies to advertise their products with AI? In this article, you can find out more about the modern phenomenon of AI washing.
Cheers to Summer – And to the IT Center!
Source: Own Illustration
Sunshine, barbecue aromas, and lots of good cheer – on July 11, 2025, the IT Center held its annual summer party. And this time, the weather gods were smiling on us: instead of continuous rain like last year, employees were able to enjoy a dry summer party and were even rewarded with a few rays of sunshine.
The New RWTH Software Shop
Source: Own Illustration
To make the provision of software to RWTH members even more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly, the IT Center is providing a new central solution: the RWTH Software Shop. This is aimed at both institutions and employees as well as students at RWTH Aachen University and combines a wide range of software offerings on a single platform. The new shop will be available to all target groups from July 29, 2025. Centralized access not only simplifies the ordering process, but also improves product support and usage.
SysAdmin Day 2025–Thank You for Keeping Everything Running
Source: Own Illustration
On the last Friday in July, the 25th, it’s that time again: System Administrator Appreciation Day reminds us how much we owe to the work of our admins and IT specialists. We at the IT Center would also like to use this day to say a huge thank you to our colleagues and all system admins. You ensure that our systems remain stable, secure and available around the clock – whether it’s the mail server, network technology, the server landscape or individual support requests. Nothing would be digital without you!
