UC Davis negotiated a contract with 3Com Corporation to install the electronic components of Network 21, the high-speed fiber optic network scheduled to be fully operational next fall. The contract calls for the development of an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) switching design that supports high speed data transmission and the widespread use of interactive applications.

As a standard that can transmit both voice and data communications, ATM eventually will enable telephone calls and data communications to travel through the same router switch, allowing the two technologies to share the same facilities.

"The Network 21 design will pave the way for real-time network communications on campus, and enable the campus community to enjoy the benefits of Internet II standards," says Rodger Hess, Technical Director for Network 21.

"The goals we have outlined for Network 21 -- high-speed transmission, reliability, and real-time communication -- are shared by those developing Internet II," says Hess. "We will be working closely with 3Com to ensure that Network 21 meets new Internet II standards, enabling campus researchers to enjoy high-end communications with other Internet II universities."