RESNET Project Objectives

The main objective of this project is to build the initial infrastructure of the Rural Education System Network (RESNET) that is funded by Sam Houston State University (SHSU), the Alabama & Coushatt Indian Tribes of TX, Inc. (Tribes), and the Woodville, Big Sandy, and Livingston ISD's.

The system design for the RESNET system will be performed by Syracuse University. The System design for the SHECO portion will be performed by their consultants. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and single-mode fiber will be main technology to deploy RESNET infrastructure. The RESNET network will operate initially at a backbone speed of OC-3c (155 Mbit/s), with the goal of upgrading to OC-12c (622 Mbit/s) by the end of 1997. However, with the advent of OC-172 (10 Gbit/s) and Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) RESNET may choose to wait an additional year to upgrade with the hope that the cost of OC-172 and or WDM would be affordable.

The RESNET will connect the following sites: Tyler County Courthouse, Woodville ISD High School, Tyler County Hospital in the city of Woodville, Alabama & Coushatta Indian Reservation, Big Sandy ISD, Livingston High School, the Polk County Courthouse, the Polk County Hospital, main campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX.

There are two major applications to this project, first, the distance learning program. This program would include the connection of SHSU to each of the ISD's as well as the Tribes. The second, was the connection of UTMB Galveston to the network and in turn to each of the medical facilities including the Tribal clinic.