The Electronic Universe: Network Delivery of Data
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Abstract:
When technologists discuss the "Information Highway", their conversations usually revolve around high-end technologies such as "broadband " and "Asynchronous Transfer Mode " (ATM). Unfortunately, this focus on the exclusive use of very high bandwidth solutions fails to reckon with the limitations confronting many learning institutions, and especially most of the K-12 environment, in gaining access to the "highway " or even exploring their options. This paper describes a set of advanced networking tests which were conducted in Oregon and Colorado during 1994 and early 1995. High speed ATM capabilities were effectively merged with readily available T1-based connectivity to deliver affordable information highway capabilities to K-12 educational institutions. Innovative collaborations between the university and K-12 level served to accelerate the introduction of the new technology to the K-12 level. A range of application capabilities were effectively delivered over the integrated ATM/T1based infrastructure. Multimedia workstations were used for video to the desktop, desktop video teleconferencing, and access to multimedia servers via Mosaic and the World Wide Web. The tests that were conducted, and the results and trends are covered in detail. These findings are then used to suggest technology deployment models for the next 5-7 years.
