TII project starts this month

After


Before

Over the next two years more than $18 million work will be done at Fresno State to ensure that the campus has the most capable computer and networking infrastructure possible. It’s called the Telecommunications Infrastructure Initiative or TII for short.

As the work progresses over the next two years Fresno State will be crisscrossed by a sophisticated fiber optic network that operates at gigabit speeds. This new network will significantly speed up your data transmission rates and will make things like videoconferencing commonplace, and distance learning more real-time, interactive and accessible.

Starting this month, considerable construction work will be under way as installation begins. There will be some disruption of campus life as trenches are dug, new structures go up, and new network cable is brought to buildings throughout the campus. 

A special Web site, www.csufresno.edu/its/TII has been prepared to provide you with regular updates about the progress of the TII Network at Fresno State. Here’s some information about the project.

has been prepared to provide you with regular updates about the progress of the TII Network at Fresno State. Here’s some information about the project.

Two stages

There are two stages to the TII project: Stage 1 is construction on the campus grounds and in the buildings; Stage 2 is installation of new electronic equipment.

TII stage 1

Stage 1 will construct a new physical foundation (backbone) for the telecommunications network. The network consists of conduit laid underground and connected at underground vaults which are manholes. From the vaults, the conduit will continue to all of the buildings on campus. Inside the conduit will be fiber optic and copper cabling for data, voice and video transmission. This electronic pathway provides the intra-campus connectivity that is used for computer, video and telephone communication. This work will be done during the daytime from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Concurrent with the outside construction on the campus, the wiring inside the buildings will be replaced with new fiber and Category 6 cable system. New intra-building pathways will be laid (primarily in the ceilings) throughout the buildings, and new telecommunication rooms (wiring closets) will be constructed within the buildings to house the electronic switches. This work will be done at night from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

TII stage 2

Stage 2 will begin toward the end of stage 1. The Infrastructure Terminal Resources Project, know as ITRP, will replace most of the university's network electronics. ITRP is funded by the CSU Chancellor's Office. The design and installation will be done by SBC using Cisco Systems' electronics. ITRP is expected to conclude during the second half of 2006.

Duration

The complete construction duration will be two years, although various buildings will be completed before that time.

Disruptions possible

Unfortunately, construction of the network backbone will be disruptive to campus life, and general construction activity and open trenches will be commonplace during the first four to six months of the project. Disruption within the buildings as the classrooms and offices are rewired may occur but is unlikely because this work will be done at night.

Notification process

The TII Project Team will continually post information through various media to keep you aware in advance of the path of construction.

Project information and resources are available at this site to make certain that all building occupants are familiar with TII and the construction work taking place.

Six weeks prior to construction starting in a particular building group, the TII Project Management Team will meet with building coordinators and IT Services staff to review dates, scope, building plans, time frames and any special considerations which may be applicable at that building.

Signs are to be placed at each building entrance announcing the coming work -- starting and completion dates, phone numbers, and the TII Web site address.

Phasing

Buildings are grouped together based on location and size. Check the Web site at www.csufresno.edu/its/TII/construction for the construction schedule.