Nortel Networks today announced two deployments of its Optical Ethernet solution with educational institutions: George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, and the Round Rock Independent School District (ISD) in Round Rock, TX.
Nortel Networks Optical Ethernet solution is increasingly becoming a key tool for universities and K-12 school systems that intend to leverage the Internet and new educational applications to enhance the learning process and decrease telecommunications costs, claim company representatives.
George Mason University is using Nortel Networks OPTera Metro 5200 Multiservice Platform, Nortel Networks Passport 8600 Routing Switch, and Business Policy Switch to provide point-to-point Gigabit-Ethernet services over DWDM. The university plans to add voice traffic to their Optical Ethernet network in the future.
"Optical Ethernet is a critical component of our Distributed University, providing the technology infrastructure required for high-level research," explains Randy Anderson, director, Network Engineering and Technology, George Mason University. "The Optical Ethernet network will permit George Mason University to virtually extend its local area network (LAN) to all three of its campuses and partner universities, enabling researchers to share instruments and supercomputers, move huge amounts of data, and work collaboratively in a video environment," he adds.
Round Rock ISD is constructing a new high-speed network solution using Nortel Networks OPTera Metro 5200 and OPTera Metro 3500 Multiservice Platforms. The Ethernet over DWDM wide area network, deployed through OTM Engineering, an independent consulting firm, and Verizon Communications, will link the district's administration building with all 41 campuses to converge voice, data, and video resources onto a single network.
"Our Nortel Networks Optical Ethernet solution will give us an immediate cost savings while delivering leading-edge technology to the classroom," contends Ed Zaiontz, executive director, Department of Information Services, Round Rock Independent School District. "This high-speed optical network will enable our students and staff to immediately utilize streaming video and real-time audio applications in daily instruction."
Nortel Networks has also developed the Kidz Online program, which helps students and teachers develop technology skills and integrate technology into the learning environment. This program enables delivery of content, training, lessons, and assignment plans over the Internet using Nortel Networks Optical Ethernet solution.
More information about Nortel Networks (Ottawa, Ontario) can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com.