The new infrastructure frees Columbia College Chicago from reliance on managed services and enables it to offer internet-based e-learning classes. The integrated DWDM system, which connects all 10 of the liberal arts college's campus sites, is safeguarded by low-latency Layer 1 traffic protection. It will also be maintained, monitored and supported by ADVA Optical Networking's network operating center (NOC). The new infrastructure was implemented by Illinois-based IT solution provider Netrix LLC, a close partner of ADVA Optical Networking.
"Building and owning our own network will bring significant cost savings over time. But what's most exciting are the new opportunities we'll be able to give to our 9,500 students," said Mark Las, director, infrastructure services, Columbia College Chicago. "Now we have the flexibility to add capacity in an instant, so if a department requires more bandwidth then it's immediately at their fingertips. Reliable, high-speed data transmission is also essential for the exciting program of online e-learning courses that we're starting to offer. It provides our students with access to research and educational resources from any of the 10 sites on campus with great flexibility and reliability. Now they can easily download video, music and other media-rich content and collaborate with each other in real-time."
The installation involves 40 channel filters with two active data centers linked by a protected 100Gbit/s core. The network is built with ADVA FSP 3000 DWDM 100Gbit/s channel modules. Just one fiber pair is used throughout the new infrastructure to connect all of Columbia College Chicago's campus sites in a 10-node ring topology. Not only does this simple architecture save fiber and keep project costs low, but it also makes the network more robust and easier to manage. A ring network at Layer 1 provides low-latency traffic protection and diverse routing to fully protect the system in the event of a primary link failure. Complete network surveillance and assurance is provided by expert personnel at ADVA Optical Networking's NOC facility.
"Openness and teamwork were key ingredients in this project. Through close collaboration we've helped to build a true best-of-breed solution," commented Thomas R. Browne, senior director, sales, North America, ADVA Optical Networking. "Today's arts and media students increasingly need to use high-bandwidth applications so it's essential that the college has fast reliable connectivity and the agility to provision new channels. With our 100G optical transport technology, Columbia College Chicago can guarantee access to the services their learners need. And, with the long-term support we're giving them, they'll be able to keep pace with bandwidth demand and empower the next generation of media professionals and artists."
