Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON) Fiber Expansion Phase I & II

The Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON) is the state's fiber-optic network that enables the higher education community to connect to national and international research networks. Phase I consisted of installing new fiber-optic cable lines between existing long-haul fiber spans and nine ARE-ON member campus locations around the state, joining with surrounding states to form a regional research and educational optical network. The University of Arkansas System and ARE-ON selected CDI to install both buried and aerial outside plant (OSP) installations, inside plant (ISP) connections at ARE-ON member campus facilities, and connections to existing long-haul fiber cable networks.

Phase II provided further support to expand services to unconnected schools for research, education, telehealth and emergency preparedness. The ARE-ON fiber-optic network was expanded to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and to members of the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges. The network provides enhanced high-speed data connections linking research and educational resources. This project also provides additional resources to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Arkansas Telehealth Oversight & Management network by transporting data traffic from ATOM aggregation sites to UAMS. Additional connections provide high-speed access to high-performance computing (HPC) centers, visualization centers, National LambdaRail, Internet2, and other facilities, which supports e-learning, remote classrooms, and high-definition video on all Arkansas college and university campuses.