MECnet believes that working together and linking MECnet with regional, national and international networks will benefit our customers. MECnet takes an active role in keeping our network state-of-the-art. This can be seen in the recent deployment of our statewide fiber-optic backbone. This new backbone has thrust MECnet forward, into a new realm of possibilities for our customers. MECnet's fiber backbone spans Massachusetts with peering and partnership opportunities all along the way. MECnet links regionally with the Goddard Collaborative, Northern Crossroads and the Massachusetts Information Turnpike Initiative. These regional relationships provide MECnet with the connections to Internet2 and countless other opportunities. All of these opportunities are for the benefit of our customers, who deserve the best network to service their unique needs.

What is Internet2 and why is it important? In a nutshell, the Interent2 is a network with restricted membership for educational and research purposes. Membership must be approved by the Internet2 organization. The network is designed to provide high-speed, commercial free, TCP/IP connectivity between and amongst member organizations. Internet2 access allows all member organizations to communicate directly without the need to enter into the commercial network world of the Internet. Because of this purity of connectivity, Internet2 members can think of new ways to use networks for research and learning, without the disappointment, or frustration, of a limited Internet connection being the weak link in the process. In addition, a smaller and higher speed network allows for testing and deployment of advanced features such as IP multicast, quality of service (QoS) and Ipv6.

Today, MECnet leads the way in Massachusetts. With Internet2 connectivity, we provide our members with the resources they need now to offer the students the competitive edge offered via advanced networking.