SCLS tech staff are undertaking some big network projects this year, and the result of these projects will be to provide faster internet services to most libraries on the SCLS network.
To better understand these projects, it may be helpful to first review the infrastructures that must be in place to bring internet access to your library through SCLS.
Elements needed for library Internet access via SCLS
- Library infrastructure
Each library is responsible for providing modern network cabling and a network closet (or space for network equipment). - Wide Area Network (WAN) Service Provider
SCLS maintains contractual agreements with various vendors who can offer WAN services between the library and SCLS. - SCLS HQ infrastructure
SCLS maintains network and server equipment at HQ that supports
- all network traffic from libraries
- some of the public’s traffic to LINKcat and
- all network traffic to SCLS-hosted web sites - Internet Transport
SCLS maintains a contractual agreement with a vendor to provide transport services between SCLS HQ and the Internet Service Provider. - Internet Service Provider
SCLS maintains a contractual agreement with a vendor who offers Internet services for all libraries.
SCLS’s active network-related projects
SCLS is actively working on two infrastructure elements listed above, #2 and #3. The end goal is to provide faster Internet services to libraries.
#2 -- Wide Area Network (WAN) Service Provider - BadgerNet bandwidth upgrade project
- What is BadgerNet?
BadgerNet is a state-sponsored WAN provider (comprised of AT&T and various local telcos). It is also SCLS’ primary WAN provider for libraries. The state of Wisconsin signed a new contract with BadgerNet in 2016 which is scheduled to provide more bandwidth without an increase in cost by the end of 2017. - Who will be involved in the BadgerNet bandwidth increase project?
AT&T, DOA, TEACH, BadgerNet, SCLS and library staffs will all need to be involved in various ways at various times - When will BadgerNet bandwidth increases occur?
TEACH has notified SCLS that the bandwidth upgrades will occur in phases. During each phase, BadgerNet will select a different group of libraries to get an upgrade (SCLS has no role in deciding which library is in which phase). Each phase will have many steps, most of which involve scheduling and performing site surveys. - What’s the takeaway from this article about this project?
If your library is a BadgerNet library, your library is slated to get a bandwidth upgrade in 2017. The library director will be contacted when BadgerNet has determined that the phase including your library is now active. SCLS will guide or assist as needed.
#3 -- SCLS HQ infrastructure - Network capacity expansion and redesign project
The “BadgerNet bandwidth upgrade project” means that lots more library data will be pouring through SCLS’s core network. Consequently, SCLS will need to proactively upgrade elements of the SCLS HQ infrastructure to accommodate all that additional traffic.
Tech staff will expand SCLS’ capacity in 3 phases, performing all work behind the scenes. Phase 1 is already complete and Phase 2 is scheduled for the end of March. If all goes well, you won’t notice that anything happened!
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