A project is currently in progress to upgrade most of the University's 44 PictureTel videoconferencing systems and the underlying network. The work will allow the systems to take further advantage of Internet2 network capabilities, possibly reducing costs while improving performance.
The upgrade depends on the use of the emerging "IP (Internet Protocol) transport option" within the University's statewide IP-based "integrated backbone." By using Internet2 for transport, the current method of using long distance digital phone lines -- and the subsequent costly per minute usage charges -- for videoconferencing connectivity might be eliminated.
In addition to the possible elimination of costly usage charges, the improved performance will allow Penn State community members to collaborate more closely with colleagues and students all over the world via Internet2.
For more information, contact Julie Eble at jde2@psu.edu.