U Montana Speeds Research with Internet2 100 Gbps Connection

The University of Montana has revved up its research network with a new 100 Gbps fiber connection to the Internet2 Network. Clocking in at times faster than the school's previous connection, the ultra-high-speed capability will advance UM's research efforts as well as support education, research and healthcare institutions across the state.

"The Internet2 Network connection provides great support to our researchers who collaborate with colleagues both nationally and internationally and, in particular, for those involved in big data initiatives and their entrepreneurial activities," said Scott Whittenburg, vice president for research at UM, in a press release.

The university's research efforts range from ecosystems, climate change, environmental health and neuroscience to the search for Earth-like planets in nearby solar systems. "This provides us with amazing opportunities to capture and transmit field sensor data from an array of Internet of Everything possibilities," said Matt Riley, UM's chief information officer, in a statement.

According to Riley, network connectivity is particularly  important for education and economic development activities in rural states, where communities are separated by vast distances. The new 100G connection will help expand connectivity to more of Montana's higher education institutions, including four-year, two-year and tribal colleges; the U.S. Forest Service; the K-12 community; healthcare facilities; libraries; and research laboratories across Montana.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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