AFS provides fiber-optic network for Kansas educational institutions

NOVEMBER 29, 2007 -- Kansas city optical broadband network provider American Fiber Systems (search for AFS) is providing the two largest universities in Kansas--Kansas University (KU) and Kansas State University (K-State)--with a dark fiber-based network enabling high-bandwidth connectivity to other learning institutions across the state.

"AFS's contribution will connect KU and K-State to Kansas City fiber-optic networks," reports Denise Stephens, vice provost for Information Services and CIO at KU. "Whether it's through Internet2 or National LambdaRail, the major research network, we'll have direct access. This will enable researchers to share data, collaborate, and communicate with greater versatility and efficiency."

"We are honored that these two leading institutions have chosen to partner with AFS," adds Mike D'Angelo, senior vice president of sales and marketing at AFS. "This statewide network gives bleeding-edge connectivity to researchers and students who can truly make a difference. The universities' decision to rely on AFS is also further evidence of the trust and credibility AFS has earned in Kansas City. "

The Kansas Research and Education Network (KanREN.net) and KU say they chose AFS because of its ability to provide them with a network that reached the KU sites and carrier points of presence (PoPs) needed for this and future applications in the Kansas City metro area. By doing so, Kansas learning institutions have the opportunity to move their faculty and researchers to the next generation of cyber-infrastructure.

"The acquisition of this fiber creates the capacity for our universities to play leading roles in research initiatives critical at both the state and national level," maintains K-State provost and senior vice president Duane Nellis.

The KU Medical Center also will benefit from the enhanced capacity for data transmission. The new fiber-optic network enables medical personnel and researchers to communicate globally, sharing findings and data with experts as well as clinicians around the world.

"We know that research is more productive when it's a collaboration among multiple investigators or institutions," says Paul Terranova, vice chancellor for research at the KU Medical Center. "This connection enhances our existing and future research collaborations with K-State and allows cutting-edge medical research to continue to improve the health of all Kansans."

For all the participating institutions, the new fiber-optic connection also will be a key tool for expanding network systems, data center support, commodity Internet service, legacy voice lines, and television service. The data pipeline, which runs between Smith Center and Kansas City, will significantly increase the efficiency and ability of KU and K-State to share large amounts of data and information seamlessly across a private network.

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