UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

This C2 proposal is envisioned to improve bandwidth and cyber connectivity for three rural higher education institutions in New Mexico - two Hispanic Serving Institutions and one Tribal College. The improved CI will enable the institutions to enhance education and research, increase diverse participation in research and learning at all levels, and advance external engagement, workforce and economic development, and collaboration. WNMU will purchase Cisco routers and switches to upgrade the Silver City Campus local area network from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. The upgrade will increase speed and reliability across the network, which is currently both overburdened by network traffic and functioning with outdated network administration software. NNMC will expand broadband access on campus by: 1)establishing a new fiber optic link between two buildings on campus, 2)upgrading campus network switches and routers, and 3) providing new campus-wide wireless service. The fiber optic cabling link will establish connectivity between the Teacher Education building and the Administration building, which is the termination point for broadband access to the outside world. Network upgrades will accommodate higher line speeds for fiber optic lines that are already installed. Developing wireless access for the entire campus will increase both the number and the portability of devices that can connect to the network. NTC will expand its Internet to the Hogan (ITTH) and Dine Grid wireless network by connecting to the southern portion of its service area and to the central education facility for the Pueblo of Zuni in Zuni, NM. NTC will add new Harris Stratex TruePoint digital microwave radio platforms to two of its existing wireless transmission towers, providing high-speed OC3-level broadband connectivity over a 120-mile transmission path and a redundant link back to the Albuquerque GigaPoP via Gallup, NM. The C2 project also includes: 1) comprehensive accountability and project reporting; 2) a broadly inclusive, team-based management structure that continues the best practices developed in the T1 and T2 awards; 3) a comprehensive evaluation program, combining the collection of qualitative and quantitative data metrics by the RII T1 program evaluator, Kirk Minnick, and the guidance, review evaluation and assessment by a diverse group of independent external experts; and 4) a comprehensive sustainability program that is based on long-term technical and financial support by the State of NM and the Administration at the individual institutions, development of new education programs and new funding proposals that make use of and provide continued CI expansion and support, and new partnerships that leverage and dovetail the T1 and T2 program activities.

Clarification of Codes