Montana University System

Networking Report

November 2009

Montana Higher Education SitesWith Organizational Connections

Montana University System – Networking Philosophy

PURPOSE To support the MUS R&E mission by enhancing connectivity- on and between eight MUS sites, and between MUS and “the world”- to Montana’s CC and TC sites- to other non-Higher Ed sites (higher education access points) LOGICAL CONNECTIVITY Like the State, the MUS will connect its sites with a

virtual private network, not just create isolated connections from each site to “the world” (i.e., the current general K-12 approach)

PHYSICAL CONNECTIVITY Wherever possible the MUS will acquire and use dark or dim fiber to create its network (lower per bit cost, more role in management), not managed service (higher per bit cost, less role in management) – this is in keeping with Higher Ed’s role over last 30 years as a leader in developing novel network applications

MUS Network Connectivity – Pre Northern TierMt Connections via State Contract; Nat’l Connections thru UM-M & MSU-Bz

MUS Network Connectivity – Northern Tier MSU Connected – UM Waiting for Mso Connection

MUS Network Connectivity – Research SitesSites Being Connected One by One as Vendors Complete Work

MUS Network Connectivity – Proposed EPSCoR Add’nsBillings & Miles City Aggregation Sites + SKC, DCC, MCC Connections

MUS Network Connectivity – Proposed ARRA/BB Add’nsHigher Ed Sites (Public Computer Centers) in NW via HIEM Partnership

MUS Network Connectivity – Full PictureCurrent Status + Current Proposals

MUS Network Connectivity – Still To Do Tribal Colleges - Perhaps in Next Round of ARRA/BB?

FOR VENDORSCurrent/Pending/Future Network Transport Acquisitions

Northern Tier: Initial build out doneResearch Sites: Site links committed (various vendors)EPSCoR (if funded – RFP in prep)- Miles City: NT hut to State Data Center, SDC to MCC, SDC to DCC- Billings: NT hut to Fiber Hotel (iConnect)ARRA/Broadband-Round 1 (if funded): Site links committed (HIEM)Future Projects (if/when funded)- Connections to TCs and FVCCPossible Research Projects (if/when funded)- UM-M to Rocky Mtn Supercomputer Center/Butte- MUS to USFS Sites (UM-M to USFS Sites in Mso approved, RFP soon)- MUS to NIH-Rocky Mtn Lab/Hamilton- MUS to NP Sites/Glacier, Yellowstone, others