The Louisiana Board of Regents on behalf of its member institutions, proposes to establish an academic data network. The proposal requests partial funding for participation in NSFNET through a connection with SURAnet, the regional network attaching to NSFNET in the Louisiana Area as well as partial start-up funds for the necessary routers, circuits, and operating support to facilitate the fullest possible participation. The educational institutions that will participate include: LSU-Alexandria, LSU- Eunice, LSU-Shreveport, Southern Univ.-New Orleans, Southern Univ.-Shreveport, Delgado Community College, Grambling State Univ., McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Centenary College, Dillard University, Central Offices of the Board of Regents, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, and Loyola University. The network will provide a consistent statewide architecture for NSFNET access for a broad variety of entities engaged in education and research. This cooperative network will provide gateways to regional, national, and international networks and will be consistent with their standards. It will further the institutions' work in enhancing the state's economic development through a well-educated workforce, accessible training opportunities, and research and development partnerships. Another goal of the network is to facilitate collaborative projects and sharing of resources between institutions, including those outside the state. The universities need greater functionality and network speed to be able to access supercomputers, libraries, and make file transfers along with being able to implement a more reliable mail system. Students and faculty research will benefit from the link. This is also a unique opportunity for the schools to explore innovative educational resources.***//
