CC* Regional: Promoting Research and Education at Small Colleges in Alabama through Network Architecture Enhancements

Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

Advancements in data-intensive scientific instrumentation have greatly surpassed the capability of some campus networking infrastructures to effectively connect data-producing facilities to powerful computing and storage systems. Georgia Tech (GT) working in partnership with Southern Light Rail (SLR) and its high-speed research network, Southern Crossroads (SoX), has established this project to increase connectivity to smaller and HBCU institutions in Alabama. As a result of this project, both Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) and the University of South Alabama (USA) are able to transition their connectivity from a low-bandwidth ISP to a true high-speed R&E network to help increase their research efforts. Since their IT networking staff and budget are smaller and do not possess the expertise or funding in procuring and managing multiple internet providers, this award is allowing GT to install pre-configured hardware appliances for connectivity, performance management, and large data transfers at SoX. With the enhancement of the network at AAMU, they are able to enhance their research on the following: UAVs to manage agricultural data collection and analysis, astrophysics visualization, and virtual mentoring research. Similarly at the University of South Alabama, this project is leading to an increase in the data transfer between their university and industry partners eliminating the need to exchange physical hard drives. This is expanding their research in the field of multi-spectral imaging for medical and other life science applications, as well as analysis of sensor data from airplanes. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.