University of Memphis Networks services supporting research

Infrastructure: The University of Memphis operates a state of the art communications network with over 17,000 nodes which provides connectivity across the main and regional campuses and facilities, on-campus residences, the Internet, and high-performance national research networks (e.g. I2). The campus network infrastructure standard provides switched 100 Mbs service to the desktop. Optional switched 1 Gbs service to the desktop is available to support specialized research needs. Wireless data service (currently 802.11N) is available in all buildings and public areas on the main campus, and in all regional locations. The University of Memphis has dual redundant internet connections through 2 different Tier 1 providers with a total of more than 11 gigabit per second (Gbps) of commodity Internet service.

Research connectivity: The University of Memphis is the State of Tennessee Connector site for the Internet2 research network . Internet2 is a consortium of over 200 U.S. universities working in partnership with industry and government to develop and deploy advanced network applications and technologies to support education and research. The University of Memphis, in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Education Networks of America (ENA), and NetTenn, provides statewide access into Internet2 through Internet2's SEGP (Sponsored Education Group Participant) program, to K-12 school districts throughout the state as well as other higher education and research institutions in Tennessee.

The University of Memphis is a founding member of the Memphis Coalition for Advanced Networking (MCAN). MCAN is a regional optical network providing very high speed connectivity at 10 gigabits per second among the researchers and facilities of its local members, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the University of Memphis, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis BioWorks Foundation as well as to the Oak Ridge National Laboratories

MCAN is dedicated to the development of Tennessee's knowledge and innovation economy by providing reliable and cost-effective very high speed communications for its members. The organization plays an active role in developing research partnerships on behalf of its members. MCAN serves education, research, public service, and economic development initiatives. MCAN establishes communication connections with other initiatives in Tennessee to form a statewide high speed research backbone. Further, MCAN connects the Memphis region with national and international research and scientific networks, enabling Memphis and Tennessee a significant competitive advantage in research-driven economic development. MCAN is working with other regional research network partners in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi to promote regional connectivity in the mid-south.