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Advanced Computing

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Phase 1: Plans

Advanced Computer Networks

Building high-speed networks for research and education at Shepherd University.

A planning grant from the National Science Foundation

To enable exploration of its network connectivity options, Shepherd sought a planning grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Professors at Shepherd’s College of STEM applied to an NSF program called Campus Cyberinfrastructure (CC*) run by the NSF’s Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (OAC). The application received high scores and positive feedback on the stated intentions to collaborate with regional networks, nearby colleges, state and city agencies, and commercial network providers. The $100K grant (award #2018360; see the Shepherd press release) enabled four professors to develop detailed plans working with the Shepherd University Executive Leadership Team, its Information Technology Department, academic and commercial regional networks, and various technology consultants. The grant-funded work began in 2020 and was completed in 2022 with the presentation of a Cyber Infrastructure Plan for Shepherd University.

     
Leading the NSF-funded planning project were Dr. Robert Warburton (left), PI and Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and Jason Miller, (right) co-PI and Assistant Professor of Computer Science.

Plans

As a result of the planning grant activity, this project presented Shepherd University with a Cyber Infrastructure Plan. The plan presented a long-range goal of campus-wide Internet connectivity over high-bandwidth optical fiber technology. The plan presented six short-term options for starting small, each with a different price structure. The plan included these features:

  1. Upgrade the existing campus Internet connection. Commercial providers may be able to double the bandwidth of the existing copper-based wiring. It may be  necessary to upgrade some switching infrastructure.
  2. Add a second Internet connection. As of 2022, it appears that commercial providers may be able to extend fiber optics to the campus. A second connection would enhance reliability through redundancy. It could augment bandwidth capability by several fold. Shepherd may be able to adjust the bandwidth according to demand and budget.
  3. Build a high-speed network that uses the second Internet connection. It will be necessary to install new switching infrastructure and, in places, new wiring. It should be possible to use existing computer equipment, but to fully exploit the higher bandwidth, it may be necessary to upgrade Ethernet and WiFi equipment.
  4. Build a small optical network. Initially, the optical network may have to be separate from the main, copper-based, campus network. The optical network would probably reach just a few classrooms or labs in one or two buildings. The optical network should be devoted to enabling advanced research and education techniques.
  5. Plan to start small and grow. Build an optical network as a pilot. Use the optical network to demonstrate the importance of high-speed connectivity to research and education. Use the optical network to build enthusiasm for extending the network to all colleges and all departments across campus.