Bringing you the world: UAF Internet2 Day

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: (907) 474-7902
03/13/06

Without leaving land-locked Fairbanks, students can pilot undersea exploration vessels and benefit from self-directed information gathering. Symphonic performers can collaborate through real-time high-definition video and audio, creating synchronous performances from locations thousands of miles apart. Scientists and researchers can attend auditorium lectures on physics presented across the globe.

These opportunities are made possible by a high-speed, high-bandwidth network developed by the Internet2 consortium. This network will be demonstrated during a public concert, part of Internet2 Day at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Thursday, March 23, 2006.

Internet2 is a non-profit collaboration between more than 200 education, business and government institutions with the aim of improving network communication technology. Built upon the 10-gigabyte-per-second Abilene backbone, the high-bandwidth network is a natural medium for live, interactive musical collaboration and distance education.

"It’s like someone gives you this car and they forget to mention that the car actually drives 300 miles per hour,"? said Scott Deal, UAF music professor and Internet2 Day conference chairman. "You’re just driving 65 when you could be really flying."?

UAF faculty, staff and researchers will highlight their work with Internet2 throughout the day on Thursday. During an 8:30 a.m. session, officials will announce an agreement to extend the reach of Internet2 in Alaska. The day will conclude with a concert presented in the Charles W. Davis Concert Hall featuring performances from UAF, Florida and Southern California.

Alaska’s distance from the lower 48 makes it a prime candidate to use the Internet2 technology. Because of its location, UAF is poised to assume a leading role in developing distance communication and education technologies through Internet2.

"We are a university that uses technology to really make a difference in the state and the lives of our citizens,"? Deal said.

Note to editors: There will be a technical demonstration for the media in advance of the concert, Tuesday, March 14 from 1:30-4 p.m. in the Discovery Lab and in the Charles Davis Concert Hall. Percussionists Scott Deal and Morris Palter will perform and Brian Shepard, professor of music technology University of Southern California will be available for interviews.

CONTACT: Jenn Wagaman, at (907) 474-8662 or e-mail wagaman@arsc.edu or UAF Public Information Officer Carla Browning at (907) 474-7778 or via e-mail carla.browning@uaf.edu.

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/i2day/