Abstract
<jats:p>The relevance of the study is determined by the rapid development of information technologies and the digitalization of the educational process, which makes the proper organization of a computer network in a higher education institution critically important. Modern higher education institution networks face challenges related to the functional segmentation of network segments, the need to ensure the security of critical data from guest access, and the requirements for infrastructure scalability, flexibility, and fault tolerance. In this regard, the development of a mathematical model that formalizes the structural and functional features of a multi-segment higher education institution network, focusing on fault tolerance and security policies, becomes relevant. The object of the study is the computer network of a higher education institution, encompassing its structure, technical means, and operational processes. The subject of the study is the methods, models, and technologies for optimizing the operation of this network based on modern data transmission technologies. The result of the work is an improved mathematical model for the functioning of an higher education institution computer network that combines seven key requirements: building a hierarchical architecture, ensuring high throughput and performance, supporting fault tolerance and redundancy, guaranteeing security and access control, rational resource management, enabling scalability and adaptivity, and considering user needs. The conducted experimental tests confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed mechanisms. Conclusions. The proposed model effectively formalizes the multi-faceted infrastructure of an higher education institution computer network and is capable of quantitatively assessing reliability through the probability of critical component failure. This allows for the creation of scalable, flexible, and secure network solutions that minimize risks to critical data and ensure the continuity of the educational process.</jats:p>