Home
E-mail this article
Print
Select Text Size

‘Dark fiber’ gives KU and K-State light-speed link to the world


A new agreement between the University of Kansas and Kansas State University provides researchers, students and faculty access to an unused fiber optic cable that runs alongside Interstate 70 in northeast Kansas.

“This will connect KU and K-State to the Kansas City hub of fiber optic networks,” said Denise Stephens, vice provost for Information Services and chief information officer at KU. “Whether it’s through Internet2 or National LambdaRail, the major research network, we’ll have direct access. This will enable researchers to share data, collaborate and communicate with greater versatility and efficiency. The cable is referred to as dark fiber because it’s currently inactive. That’s soon to change.”

KU spearheaded acquisition of the idle digital pipeline. But from the outset, the university aimed to team with other Kansas research institutions. The geographic nearness of K-State made it a practical fit in the dark-fiber deal.

KU and K-State will use the dark fiber primarily to carry out research and academic missions that require enhanced connectivity.

“Communication is crucial, especially for our expanding research efforts,” said KU Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Lariviere. “Whether sharing data about a potential new cancer drug or collaborating on study into melting ice sheets, KU needs an open line to the rest of the world. The partnership with K-State represents an investment in future research throughout Kansas.”

The KU Medical Center also will be a principal user of the boosted capacity for data transmission, giving researchers and medical personnel a better ability to communicate and share data with experts and clinicians around the world.

KU and K-State will “light” the dark fiber this fall.