National Private Broadband Network Focuses on School Applications
##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->
New Edge Networks and Edgenics announced this week that they're partnering to launch a nationwide private broadband network dedicated to delivering content and applications to schools, including "video-centric IP services, interactive distance learning and other Web 2.0 applications."
Edgenics provides e-learning services, including professional development, to K-12 and higher ed. Edgenics said it will use the new network to deliver its services to schools in a more cost-effective way, focusing particularly on schools in rural areas and schools with limited budgets. New Edge Networks, a subsidiary of EarthLink, will build and manage the network, which uses Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology.
According to the companies, "To facilitate cost-effective deployment, New Edge is enabling Edgenics to collocate its computer servers and routers within carrier interconnection centers around the country. This arrangement provides Edgenics with local or near-local network nodes that can easily and cost-effectively interconnect with the regional network nodes of the schools. This helps reduce ongoing communications transport costs."
Edgenics said it will expand its e-learning offers as a result of the new network, for which Edgenics has received $11.2 million in federal funding. In the first phase, the company will deliver its services via the MPLS-based network to 175 schools and learning centers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Get daily news from THE Journal's RSS News Feed
About the author: David Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's online education technology publications, including THE Journal and Campus Technology. He can be reached at [email protected].
Proposals for articles and tips for news stories, as well as questions and comments about this publication, should be submitted to David Nagel, executive editor, at [email protected].