Three Local College’s Involved with Internet 2
New World Wide Network will be used for Academic Purposes Only

Worcester, MA—The Information Technology Department at Assumption College recently received a grant of $171,885 from the National Science Foundation for network infrastructure to connect to Internet2, which has a local connection at WPI. The grant, which was written in conjunction with the College of Holy Cross, will be dispersed over two years. The purpose will be for work on developing and implementing a high performance network connection (Internet2), which is separate from the Internet and dedicated exclusively to research and education in all subject areas.

I2 connection is provided at WPI in Worcester, who is sponsoring Assumption’s membership to Internet2. The I2 connection will provide a new platform for those that are interested in pursuing academic research, exchange of ideas, videoconference lectures, and sharing information with other schools also connected the network such as Holy Cross, WPI, and MIT. I2 is built to supply increased amounts of bandwidth, which allows a much faster connection speed.

The connection to Internet2 allows for a diverse range of research possibilities and will enhance existing projects. Among other things, use of Internet2 will allow for full motion video, real-time programming, high-speed visualization, collaborative research and student led instruction, and increased digital library initiatives and resource sharing.

Assumption College will use the grant money to connect to Internet2, which will upgrade the infrastructure at the Institution as well as increasing the bandwidth. The grant will also be utilized for an educational program for faculty and students on how to use this high performance network.
According to Mimi Royston, associate director of Information Technology at Assumption College and lead writer of the grant, “Internet2 allows IT and Academics to come together in order to enrich the learning environment. With a high performance network you can make education more real, which will enhance the learning experience.” Along with the applications stated above, virtual laboratories, collaborative consortia, tele-imersion, and digital libraries will also become available through Internet2, which will increase the depth and span of research and learning.

The grant will be managed and installed by IT departments of Assumption and Holy Cross, and the networking departments of WPI.