Advanced Networking Study

Task Force Members

Steve Smith, University of Alaska-System, chair
John Balling, Willamette University
Louis Fox, University of Washington
Mark Gregory, Portland State University
John Lawson, Western Washington University
Keiko Pitter, Whitman College

NWACC Funding Level:

$100,000

Project Overview

The goal of this project is to identify costs and develop a plan to provide a high-speed telecommunications network for NWACC institutions who lack access to Abilene, National Lambda Rail, and other next generation networks.  By extending the Lariat Network, scientists and educators in NWACC institutions will be able to take advantage of the wealth of remote research resources and expertise available in other areas of the country. In order to understand the scope and cost of this project, the first phase of this effort is a planning study to develop a detailed analysis of existing fiber infrastructure, understand where assets would need to be acquired or leased (and determine where such infrastructure is unavailable) and develop a detailed budget and schedule for connecting NWACC institutions.  In order to undertake the study, participating NWACC institutions may each be asked to contribute beyond the $100,000 provided by the consortium. 

Project Status

May 21, 2007: The consultants retained by the Pacific Northwest Gigapop to produce a study of high speed network options and costs for NWACC member institutions delivered their final report. The final version of the materials provided by the consultants is available for download from the NWACC web site, below. The Network Task Force, chaired by Steve Smith, evaluated the report materials and authorized payment of the outstanding balance of the contract (see "Report Acceptance Memorandum" below.)

October 5, 2006: A workshop was held to review and respond to the preliminary results of the NWACC Advanced Network Study (view the Interim Report here). Also attending the workshop were colleagues from the Northern Tier study and the TeraLink project. There is significant overlap among these efforts and any prospective NWACC project.

The Pacific Northwest Gigpop, University of Montana, Montana
State University, and State of Montana are putting together a
consortium agreement to light dark fiber acquired by PNWGP under the ATT/SURA program. Putting together an agreement that is acceptable to all the IT folks AND the attorneys and puchasing
agents is a challenge. The attached document has gotten tentative
approval on most key points from most key players. There are still
a few hurdles to get over, but this is close.

As of May 2, 2006: The Memorandum of Agreement has been executed and the initial payment to PNWGP has been issued.

As of March 2006:  Timeline and total study costs are being determined.

Links

Memorandum of Agreement (pdf)
Networking Maps (pdf)

Final Report Documents:

  1. Final Report
  2. Existing Services Comparison
  3. Cost Estimates
  4. Supplemental Findings
  5. PNWGP Responses
  6. Report acceptance memo from task force
  7. PNWGP Pricebook

 

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