Abilene

2001: Iowa State University and the University of Iowa each established links to the second Internet2 backbone, which is called Abilene. Abilene's first phase was completed in late 1999 with an OC48 (2.4 Gbps) backbone. In 2003, Abilene underwent an upgrade to a 10 Gbps backbone.

ISU connected to the Abilene backbone via an OC3 line (155 Mbps) to the Abilene POP in Kansas City.

University of Iowa connected to the Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) in Chicago, also via an OC3 line. In 2004, this line was upgraded to a gigabit ethernet connection.

Continuing our collaborative efforts, we agreed to use our connection to the Iowa Communication Network as a backup path to Abilene. So even if one line goes down, both institutions will maintain connectivity to Abilene.

Maintained by grpjl@iastate.edu. Last changed 6-Jan-2005.