National Private Broadband Network Focuses on School Applications
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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.
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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 dnagel@1105media.com.
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 dnagel@1105media.com.