N MU B ROADBAND The Next Generation TLC Board of Trustees December, 2007

C ritical N eed For Speed Limited regional broadband access challenges NMU’s ability to provide reliable and affordable off-campus student access to on-line courses. Broadband access is a critical component to providing infrastructure services needed for recruitment and improving student retention. Robust wireless broadband helps solve distant connection issues where terrain and population density otherwise makes traditional broadband deployment impractical. Specifically: Most rural residents living outside city and township limits have internet service at rates less than 1 megabit/sec. K-12 schools throughout Upper Michigan do not have uniform access to broadband, and some districts – like Big Bay still operate with only T-1 service. Satellite service is a better option than 56k dial-up Internet but will not support many of the broadband streaming applications now required by higher education and K-12 classes.

S peed Comparison Approximate time needed to download various file types

RF power and line-of-sight limitations restrict students’ ability to connect – even when near an access point. Wi-Fi fails to provide adequate backhaul capacity. The number of access point locations required for complete community coverage makes wide- scale deployment impractical. Access point maintenance – especially in severe winter climates – is problematic. E xperimental Community Wi-Fi In 2003, NMU recognized that research and learning requires off- campus broadband network access and extended its Wi-Fi campus wireless network to small segments of the surrounding community to meet desperate broadband needs. Limitations:

W hat is “NextGen” Wireless A new, global, wireless transmission standard with greater range and “reach” into areas where terrain, building density and radio frequency interference limit the reception of more common wireless transmission systems (notably Wi-Fi). Highlights: Protection from radio frequency interference. Increased data capacity An emerging wireless data transmission standard.

NMU Campus to “NextGen” Comparison

P otential Service Region

W ireless Advantage Serves NMU’s large (and growing) commuter population and reduce the need to travel – especially when inclement weather makes coming to campus impossible. Provides Upper Peninsula K-12 teachers access to college courses required to meet the State’s “highly qualified” licensing requirements. Helps deliver NMU services to challenged K-12 schools unable to secure broadband access. Provides “anywhere” learning and study opportunities to meet mobile and transient student needs.

NMU is unique: All faculty, staff and students equipped with 2-year-old or newer technology All software is current and up-to-date True gigabit network access campus-wide provides necessary infrastructure to deploy mobile wireless services Qualified campus staff to deploy next generation wireless service Maintains strong partnerships with technology manufacturers NMU is nationally known for its instructional use of technology. Nationally ranked as one of the country’s most wired and wireless universities. R eady To Transition Campus high-density wireless used consistently by manufacturers (Meru Networks) to study and test new products.