UMaine to Host Next Generation Internet Event
Contact: Nick Houtman, Dept. of Public Affairs, 207-581-3777
ORONO, Maine — For a glimpse of what the future may hold for online networking, the University of Maine will host Internet2 Day on March 18 at Fogler Library. The public is welcome to the event that will include demonstrations of new Internet2 technology and access to a national conference with speakers located across the country.
“Internet2 is still in its infancy, and what it means to Maine will vary from one institution to another,” says John Gregory, director of information technology at UMaine. Nevertheless, with the ability to share more information at a higher speed than most Internet connections allow, scientists and educators will find that they can collaborate on research and present online courses in new ways.
Public schools, libraries, colleges, universities and research institutions can now gain access to the new Internet system through the UMaine connection, according to Gerry Dube, director of UNET Technology Services.
Internet2 is a national consortium of universities, industry and government agencies working to develop new networking technologies. The consortium depends on existing high speed networks with restricted access through about 150 nodes located around the country. UMaine and other New England institutions connect to the high speed system through what is known as a Giga Pop in Boston.
UMaine and the University of Maine System succeeded last month in gaining authorization for schools, libraries and research institutions in Maine to hook up to the Internet2 system through UMaine. Already connected to the network are schools and libraries in the Maine Schools and Library Network, The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor and the Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory in Hulls Cove.
Connection costs for schools and other organizations will vary depending on how they currently connect to the UMaine network. In many cases, new fiber optic lines may need to be installed, and access fees are yet to be determined.
Internet2 Day activities at UMaine will take place between 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Collaborative Media Center in Fogler Library. UMaine’s technology purchasing unit, The Computer Connection, will demonstrate new information technologies for classroom and research use. A national program of presentations and music will be provided via a videoconference facility in the media center.