This project complements the Ohio State University (OSU), Ohio Super Computer Center (OSC), and Kent State University (KSU) projects already funded because our researchers have collaborative efforts with OSU & KSU and use the OSC facilities.  Because we will all share one vBNS connection, the network in Ohio is very cost-effective design and builds on NSF funds already allocated within the State.
 

Because UA is less than one mile away from the Akron OARnet hubsite, the circuit cost between UA and OARnet is relatively low priced.  Hundreds of thousands of dollars are saved by using OARnet's circuits between Akron and the BNS connection in North Royalton Ohio.
 

The UA has already committed more than $3 million for equipment and off campus fiber to extend the ATM network on campus and into nearby Medina County for synchronous and asynchronous education.  ATM will be provided to each building in this proposal.  UA routinely spends more than $500,000 every year in operating costs, upgrading the campus network, fiber and network maintenance. Additionally, UA will provide funds needed to extend the high speed network to servers in those research groups which justify vBNS connections.