2nd DS3 to internetMCI ordered

[Jeff Ogden]

Peak utilization of the 45M bps (DS3) link between MichNet and internetMCI
hit 97% for at least one 5 minute sample last week (on Thurs Nov 7th).
Average use during the work week last week ranged from 57% to 62%. While we
still have some room to grow on the existing DS3, Merit has ordered a 2nd
DS3 from internetMCI to handle continued rapid growth of network traffic.

We don't have a firm date for the installation of the 2nd DS3, but it now
looks as if it will be in early January. The new DS3 will run from East
Lansing. The existing DS3 will continue to originate in Ann Arbor.

Sometime in the first half of next year, we expect to replace both of these
DS3s with two OC3 (155M bps each) attachments that will link us to both
internetMCI and to the NSF sponsored very high performance Backbone System
(vBNS). The two OC3 links will be ATM and will originate from East Lansing
and Ann Arbor. The existing DS3 link between East Lansing and Ann Arbor
will be converted to ATM as well.

  -Jeff Ogden
   Merit


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