News

Central New Mexico Community College Moves to Metro Optical Ethernet

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/05/09

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) recently upgraded its multi-campus network and distance-learning program with data networking technology designed by Qwest Communications International.

The college's four campuses and a Workforce Training Center in Albuquerque are now connected by Qwest's high-speed Metro Optical Ethernet data networking platform, which delivers broadband speeds up to 100 Mbps at each site. CNM said it has one of the largest distance-learning programs in the United States.

"CNM is nationally recognized for its innovation and ability to serve traditional and non-traditional students. And today, more than ever, both groups are asking for distance-learning options," said Joe Gieri, executive director, IT Services for CNM. "By implementing Qwest's Ethernet solution, we found we can balance our student body's needs and our budget."

Among the benefits of the new network, Gieri cited a decrease in phone calls to the IT help desk. "Silent lines in an IT department is something that is very solid to me; no news is good news," he said. Also, the built in aspects of the chosen solution have had an impact on CNM's disaster recovery planning. In coming years, as the college continues to grow, Gieri plans to build out the disaster recovery site and add a new data center, he said in an interview.

CNM is building a sixth campus in the community of Rio Rancho near Albuquerque. The new campus, scheduled to open in 2010, will also be connected through the Ethernet platform.