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Telecommunications equipment industry

Jefferson County Public Schools Expands Broadband Network with General DataComm

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Kentucky has taken a significant step in expanding its broadband network, partnering with General DataComm Industries (GDC) to enhance communication and learning for its 95,000 students across 151 schools. The upgraded network will provide high-speed data, Internet, and voice services, connecting 19 campuses and 23 JCPS facilities over a 20-mile fiber optic network.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new contract signed between JCPS and GDC includes the deployment of GDC APEX-IMX multiservice switches, which will provide high-speed data, Internet, and voice services.
  • The current network, which was initially funded by the Department of Commerce's Technology Opportunities Program, has already generated savings of approximately $32,000 per month in telecommunications costs.
  • The expanded network will be configured to take advantage of the flexible features and capabilities of the GDC switches, including high-speed switched ATM access and interactive video connectivity between campuses.
  • The project will also utilize GDC's Multimedia Multipoint Server (MMS) for real-time interactive distance learning applications.
  • Immediate plans for the network include the installation and testing of MMS for interactive video model, testing of high-quality interactive video model will begin in the fall at several campus environments.
  • The JCPS will use GDC's multimedia equipment to connect with other Louisville, KY, educational facilities, local library, science, art, and zoology centers to offer interactive distance education throughout the district.

Statistics:

  • The new network will cover 151 schools and 95,000 students across Jefferson County.
  • The GDC APEX-IMX multiservice switches will provide high-speed data, Internet, and voice services to 19 campuses and 23 JCPS facilities.
  • The expanded network will save JCPS approximately $32,000 per month in telecommunications costs.
  • The project has been funded in part by the Federal Technology Literacy Challenge Fund, which provided funding for the initial network.
  • The JCPS will have a 20-mile fiber optic network with 45 miles of additional fiber infrastructure added.

Sources:

  • "Business Wire" - March 13, 2000
  • General DataComm Industries, Inc. (NYSE:GDC)
  • Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS)
  • The Department of Commerce's Technology Opportunities Program
  • General DataComm (www.gdc.com)

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