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Sale of 100 Mbps Integrated Backbone (IB) services to end

In order to take advantage of advances in networked services, leverage use of University networking resources, and continue to promote the use of forward-looking technologies, Telecommunications & Networking Services (TNS), a unit of Information Technology Services (ITS) is encouraging the use of Gigabit Local Area Network (LAN) technology. To facilitate an orderly transition to that technology from the 100Mbps technology currently in use, two milestones are being established.

First, requests for Integrated Backbone (IB) connections which are made at the University Park campus that are less than Gigabit speeds will be honored through June 30, 2007 only. Any new 100Mbps Ethernet connections to be installed at the UP campus must be ordered by that date. After that date, all new IB connections at UP will be based upon gigabit or higher speeds.

Second, while there is no similar end-of-sale date yet planned for 100 Mbps connections at other campuses, it is anticipated that replacement of 100 Mbps LANs and their associated IB connections, with Gigabit technology, should be well underway at all campuses by 2009, as a normal part of the life-cycle replacement process of LAN technology. As such, ITS support for 100 Mbps IB connections and associated LAN technology, which by then will be over 5 years old, will cease at all locations, after June 30, 2009.

Regardless of campus location, those contemplating new backbone connections are encouraged to now consider the use of 1-Gigabit Ethernet connections in lieu of additional 100 Mbps connections. Fees for backbone connection services from ITS for 100Mbps and for Gigabit connections remain equal, with neither having a monthly service fee, and both subject to a $1000 one-time installation cost. Those wishing to obtain more information pertaining to Integrated Backbone services should contact TNS through the web (Integrated Backbone Request Form) or by calling (814) 865-6285.

In order to request IB service, a Telecommunications Service Requisition (TSR) form and supporting Integrated Backbone Connection Design Request  must be completed. Requests for 100Mbps Ethernet service at the University Park campus must be completed and submitted no later than June 30, 2007.

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