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The Great Plains Network is a consortium of Great
Plains states dedicated to supporting research and education through
the use of advanced networking technology. Assisted by the NSF EPSCoR
program, and coordinated by principal investigator Jerry Niebaum,
the consortium constructed a high speed network connecting the educational
state networks in seven states. Although the nature and topology
of the network has changed considerably, the consortium continues
to foster the mission of collaboration and cooperation. Research
contacts are linked from each of the state names below.
Earth Systems Science was chosen as a prototypical
research area for exploring network applications useful for enhancing
research activities. Each of the member states hosts at least one
institution focusing on some area of earth systems science.
The consortium was awarded approximately $1.5 million
over 2 years from the NSF EPSCoR program. A similar sum was pledged
by each of the participating institutions in the EPSCoR states.
The initial network consisted of a 45 mbps DS-3
network connecting the states, with many connections having been
upgraded to OC-3 at 155 mbps. Connections to the commodity internet
(Internet1) have been completed at a bandwidth of approximately
90 mbps, and an OC-12 link to the Internet2 Abilene network has
also been put into place.
The Great Plains Network is coordinated by Executive
Director, Jerry Niebaum, advised by an Executive Council with one
member from each of the participating states.
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