Aiming for greater campus connectivity, UCDNet2 is designed to extend the network infrastructure to a number of campus locations outside the scope of Network 21, including outlying campus areas such as Research Park, located southeast of I-80, and facilities west of Highway 113. UCDNet2 will employ traditional copper wire, the fiber-optic infrastructure used in Network 21, and wireless technologies. In order to provide a low-cost solution to areas with existing telephone (copper) wiring, departments will have the option of using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology to meet their connectivity objectives. These technologies will be re-evaluated over the course of the project to incorporate advances in networking technology. (For an explanation of DSL, see sidebar.)

The cost estimate for UCDNet2 was completed on November 8, 1998 and submitted to the Network Policy and Oversight Committee (formerly the Network21 Budget and Policy Oversight Committee). The committee is now in the process of determining the scope and funding of the project. Once this is determined, an environmental impact report and project plan will be prepared. Construction will begin after final approval. Because of the size of the project, the planning process will last through the end of 1999, with bids for construction going out in 2000. Actual trenching and installation of cable is proposed for late 2000. With its present design, UCDNet2 is planned for completion in 2001.

To keep you informed of the progress of this project, IT-Communications Resources is developing a UCDNet2 Web site. This site, which will describe the project goals and provide a map of proposed areas of expansion, will be available in early May.

Wendy Phillips, Senior Writer with IT-Communications Resources, contributed to this article.

New Technology for Old Wiring: A Primer on Digital Subscriber Line Technology
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology can convert existing copper-wire phone lines into reliable network connections. DSL is being used in some cases where optimizing network speed is not vital and a lower-cost networking option (as compared to Network 21-style architecture) is desirable. The design of DSL for UCDNet2 will ensure that speeds of 1.5Mbps are available to those desktops served by it.
DSL's Advantages Creates a reliable, dedicated channel for 24-hour network access. Directly connects to the desired network without needing to initiate a dial-in sequence or telnet request. Doesn't require new cabling because it uses existing copper-wire phone lines to supply the network connection.	DSL's Limitations Data transfer rate is limited by the quality of the existing wire. As the distance traversed by the wire (from the walljack to the nearest central telephone facility) increases, the maximum data transfer rate decreases.