The Dark Fiber Network consists of hundreds of miles of fiber-optic cable, used to transmit information with light waves, under the streets of Manhattan.

The quality of real-time video events such as interactive music master classes will improve at Columbia University as a result of a new, high-speed network known as the New York City Dark Fiber Network. This is just one example of the benefits of the private network for Columbia and other New York City research, education and medical institutions, which now have state-of-the-art links to each other and to the Internet and Internet 2.

In addition to creating faster and more reliable connections, the Dark Fiber Network boosts the cost effectiveness and flexibility of the institutions' computer networks. At Columbia, the new technology essentially doubles the capacity of its commercial Internet service from 155 Mbps (megabits per second) to 300 Mbps; enhances its flexibility in future purchasing of networking technology; and affords greater security of network connections in the event of damage to critical infrastructure. The network is called "dark fiber" because no telecommunications carrier is "lighting" it with its equipment; instead; Columbia "lights" its fiber strands with its own equipment, just as it does for on- and near-campus fiber cables.

Read more...

Article source: Columbia University