With an increasing demand for network performance and scalability and a desire to keep the institution’s resources focused on primary academic and research missions, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) knew a solution was needed to meet their data center connectivity requirements. The institution discovered by adopting a managed optical service model they could stay agile and competitive in an increasingly technology-dependent academic environment. Instead of building this optical transport network themselves, NJIT partnered with Edge who is well versed in consolidating multiple networks into a single, reliable and highly scalable optical infrastructure.
“Since we are experienced in building optical dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) transport networks, this project was a natural fit and a service we were excited to provide to NJIT,” says Jim Stankiewicz, Associate Vice President and Principal Network Architect, Edge. “They wanted to make their Databank high performance computing (HPC) environment redundant, and we were able to design, build, install, support, and manage all of the dark fiber infrastructure end to end—providing a fully comprehensive solution.”
“We partnered with Edge to replace our aging DWDM solution because they offered the perfect combination of managed optical services to augment our team, along with critical features like high availability, scalability, monitoring, and support. This investment immediately paid off when our dark fiber provider experienced an outage; Edge swiftly pinpointed and resolved the issue.”
— Hemal Shah
Director, Unified Communications and Networking Infrastructure & Security, NJIT
Delivering Seamless Connectivity
Operating DWDM transport networks, especially ones for high performance, bandwidth, and speed, requires an advanced set of technical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills. “Edge’s skillset in this area has been greatly enhanced over the years and we wanted to simplify the process for NJIT by driving this initiative,” shares Stankiewicz. We monitor our network 24/7/365 and have the ability to identify potential issues ahead of time. Since we provide a managed service, there are no upfront costs, just a monthly fee. Starting from our initial conversation with NJIT to development, testing, and delivery, the project took around 90 to 120 days. We regularly conduct specialized monitoring on the dark fiber circuit and can see if there is any impairment on the fiber between campus and their HPC location. This helps us identify the exact location of a break and we can contact the dark fiber provider to inform them of an impairment and get any issues resolved quickly.”
NJIT has been very pleased with the service provided, noting that it has effectively solved several challenges for the university. “By managing geographically dispersed locations and equipment, Edge has helped alleviate the stress of network management and eased the burden of monitoring and repairing their system, providing significant operational benefits,” says Stankiewicz. “Edge has also deployed a DWDM transport network at Rutgers University’s campus and colocation facilities. Since there were combinations of dark fiber from a service provider coupled with campus fiber infrastructure that is managed by Rutgers, it became very challenging to design, build, and manage an optical system effectively. To address this issue, Edge built up a 400G ring and provided a scalable, efficient, and robust framework for data transport, significantly enhancing network performance and reducing the complexity of managing diverse fiber resources.”
“Edge wants to ensure these networks are scalable and flexible to growth, so once the dark fiber is in place, we can scale to any bandwidth and demand. It’s a highly collaborative process, and we work closely with our partners to meet their fiber plant requirements and ensure that the solutions we provide are tailored to their unique needs.”
— Jim Stankiewicz
Associate Vice President and Principal Network Architect, Edge
Facilitating Efficient Data Sharing and Collaboration
With the creation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub at Princeton University’s colocation facility in Piscataway, the institution met with Edge to discuss managing the dark fiber implementation. “Since managed optical solutions are highly customizable, these systems are ideal for multi-campus environments like Princeton,” explains Stankiewicz. “DWDM transport networks allow you to connect different locations at high speed and reliability, which can be particularly valuable for larger institutions that have highly complex bandwidth demands and network needs.”
“For research institutions which rely on massive data sets and fast, reliable connections for cutting-edge research, the DWDM transport network provides a robust infrastructure that supports both current needs and future growth, facilitating more efficient data sharing and collaboration across multiple locations,” continues Stankiewicz. “Colleges and universities can improve collaboration across their campuses, and by integrating various campus networks into a unified, managed optical system, they can also simplify network management and reduce operational complexity.”
Another Edge member, University Hospital, had built their own transport network between two hub locations in downtown Newark to their colocation facility in Parsippany. Struggling with the challenges of managing the complexities of these types of networks and infrastructure, the hospital selected Edge to be their internet services provider and help manage redundant connectivity and deliver a highly survivable, highly available networking experience to connected members.
“Partnering with Edge allows member organizations to leverage our specialized skills and expertise in designing, installing, managing, and supporting these networks, and the cost savings that goes along with this service,” says Stankiewicz. “Without proper and effective management of dark fiber networks, there can be far-reaching effects, including performance issues, scalability challenges, increased costs, and a disruption to academic and research activities. These issues can hinder growth and innovation, making it essential to have a reliable, expertly managed solution that ensures continuous, high-performance connectivity.”
“Edge has been a longtime and valued partner. As part of our ongoing collaboration on value-added services, we transitioned the technical and administrative management of approximately a dozen leased circuits. This strategic shift simplified billing, delivered monthly cost savings, avoided capital expenses by eliminating the need to upgrade end-of-life equipment, and freed our staff from infrastructure management responsibilities, allowing them to focus on advancing network innovation at Rutgers.”
— Adrienne Esposito
Director of Enterprise Infrastructure, Office of Information Technology, Rutgers University
Navigating the Complexities of Modern Network Infrastructure
Edge’s proactive approach to monitoring network infrastructure includes implementing tools that can isolate optical and fiber plant issues, oftentimes before they happen. “Throughout the years of running these optical transport networks, the Edge team has gained valuable insights and experience, and we look to share this knowledge to help organizations optimize the performance of their transport network, streamline operations, and overcome complex challenges with greater confidence,” says Stankiewicz.
“Edge also wants to ensure these networks are scalable and flexible to growth, so once the dark fiber is in place, we can scale to any bandwidth and demand. It’s a highly collaborative process, and we work closely with our partners to meet their fiber plant requirements and ensure that the solutions we provide are tailored to their unique needs. In addition to counting on us for expert management and support, our managed optical service can help an organization free up their internal resources to focus on other networking initiatives.”
“Through our partnerships, we empower organizations to stay ahead of potential issues, adapt to evolving demands, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing digital landscape,” continues Stankiewicz. “Our commitment to delivering customized, scalable solutions, backed by continuous monitoring and support, ensures that our members can confidently navigate the complexities of modern network infrastructure and focus on achieving their broader business and academic goals.”
Looking to deliver a highly survivable, highly available networking experience and stay agile and competitive in a technology-driven world? Discover the power of EdgeNet’ at njedge.net/solutions-overview/network-connectivity-and-internet2.
