Internet2

Internet2 (i2), as described by its creators on [|www.internet2.edu] is the foremost U.S. advanced networking consortium. It was a research project created by 34 research universities in October of 1996 for the purpose of providing both leading-edge network capabilities and unique partnership opportunities that together facilitate the development, deployment and use of revolutionary Internet technologies. As of 2005, i2 has more than 200 universities, 70 private companies, 45 government agencies, and 45 international organizations logging onto it every day. ([|www.slate.com)]

Subscribers access i2 with the same web browsers in the same manner as the commercial Internet - as Alexander Russo put it in his article on [|webhead],“There are no secret Web addresses or special browsers required to log on, no buttons saying, "Click here for Internet2."

i2 works because it has fewer users who are connected through large-capacity fiber-optic cables. Internet2 moves data from 10 gigabits per second up to [|100 gigabits] per second compared to the 4 or so megabits we get using a cable modem. Organizations that want to join up must demonstrate a research-related purpose, pay dues, and meet minimum technical requirements so that the system doesn't get slowed down. It’s networking is handled by a company called [|“Abilene”] who provides their services for [|fees].

There is a K20 initiative currently underway that is working to bring i2 to primary and secondary schools. “The National Internet2 K20 Initiative brings together Internet2 member institutions and innovators from primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, libraries, and museums to extend new technologies, applications, middleware, and content to all educational sectors, as quickly and connectedly as possible.” http://k20.internet2.edu/index.php

video on the history of i2 video of real-time uses of i2 M. Phelps full abstract