I.T. Times
Volume 4. No 6 Information Technology News of the University of California, Davis March 1996

NetWork 21


Alternates Opt In

"Alternates" are those buildings that were originally designated as part of the Network 21 project but, due to the $23 million cap placed on the project last year, were redesignated as "additive alternates" Each affected department was given the option of placing these facilities back in the project via departmental funding. The additive alternate contract approach allowed departments to see the actual costs prior to making a decision.

The deadline to notify Digital Equipment Corporation, the firm hired to install the fiber optic backbone of Network 21, was Feb. 15. Beyond this deadline, inclusion may still be possible, but the cost provided to the primary contacts for inclusion of each of these areas will not be guaranteed. To date, nine of the 15 buildings designated as alternates to the Network 21 project will be included. Those buildings are the Dairy Barn; Primate Center Buildings: Administration Building, Animal Lab, Colony Office, and Research Office, TB 141, TB 184, TB 196; and the La Rue Housing Complex.


Boring Technology Minimizes Disturbances

Don't let the name of this technology deceive you...The boring technology being used on Network 21 is creating some exciting opportunities. Hudson & Poncetta, the subcontractor hired by Digital Equipment Company to forge the conduits that will house the fiber optic cable, is using directional boring to do the job.

Boring, a technology that has been utilized more and more frequently in the last eight to 10 years, minimizes disturbance to ground surface by using electronic signals to guide an underground metal rod. With only a three-person crew and minimal equipment, the direction of the boring head is controlled from above ground to create conduits beneath roads and landscapes with minimal disturbance. The technique saves money by reducing environmental impact and, because of the absence of an open trench, provides a higher level of safety for the public.


NAM Modification Begins

With the help of Ever-Green Communications Services, Inc., a firm with an ongoing contract to assist with voice and data installations on campus, NAM (Network Access Module) modification will begin next month. The work consists of modifying approximately 3,800 NAMs to conform to Network 21 10BASE-T standards. Work is being scheduled in approximately 150 campus buildings and Network 21 primary contacts will be notified as to when modification will take place.

- Aviva Luria

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