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A lot more traffic will be flowing through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel, but don't expect longer line-ups at Customs—a optical fibre link sends research data across the border, allowing for greater collaboration between researchers in Ontario and Michigan.~
An official splicing ceremony at Windsor City Hall joined the high-speed research and education networks of Ontario and Michigan: the Ontario Research and Innovation Optical Network (ORION) and Merit Network Inc. The new link can transmit large amounts of data at very fast speeds—the equivalent of one full data CD in under a second. The ongoing research activities of the Centre for Smart Community Innovation (CSCI) at the University help foster the implementation and use of the advanced research networks.
Todd Sands, executive director of the Centre for Smart Community Innovation, says this connection will facilitate collaborative research in fields from automotive design to the life sciences.
"All computers on the networks of ORION connected organizations should be able to access the new network link, in the same way they now access ORION," he says. He hopes the new fibre link will encourage other researchers at the University of Windsor and elsewhere to explore the centre's Sabbatical Leave Program.
Phil Baker, President of ORION, in the announcement "acknowledged the critical support of the University of Windsor and the Windsor Essex Development Network (WEDnet), a part of the Centre for Smart Community Innovation. He also acknowledged the Government of Ontario, a key contributor to the project."
Research & Education Point of Presence in Windsor Keeps Growing!
| Ontario Research and Innovation Optical Network - Windsor PoP |
The final configuration includes 5 racks, with equipment belonging to ORANO and to WEDnet. Cisco GSR and 7606 routers, Nortel Optera WDM long-haul optical networking equipment, and Marconi DC & APC Matrix AC UPS capability support the integration. Optical fibre from MaXess Networx carries wavelengths of light to connect ORION to Smart Community participants also joining ORION as members. |
The ORION Research and Education network node in Windsor provides a network point of presence (PoP) for interfacing members. WEDnet and ORION exchange network information in the form of IP address routes that are responsible for directing users from their desktop PC's to the new network. ORION is one of the most advanced optical networks of its kind in the World. To visit ORION ---> Click Here
ORION more directly connects Ontario research and education institutions, selected teaching hospitals and major research centres, to each other, CA*net, and globally. The network extends some 4200 km throughout Ontario, and can send and receive information attached to different colours (wavelengths) of light on only one optical fibre if necessary. MaXess Networx and Applied Computer Solutions are assisting with the integration of eligible member organizations within WEDnet to connect.
 Connecting Windsor-Essex™ Portal Launched
The Connecting Windsor-Essex™ Portal (http://www.windsor-essex.info) has a mandate to serve as the "official" information source for the region. The rationale is a simple one, where else can visitors go on-line and have the access to the host of on-line resources and links, similar to those found in other smart communities. The vision is to provide an online information utility for residents, business and visitors to the Windsor and Essex County region.
Twenty-seven community organizations have been working together in this effort to become a more connected community. These partners include City and County governments, health care, education, social, human and information services, and not-for-profit agencies.
The Windsor and Essex County Smart Community, Connecting Windsor-Essex™ has further developed a technological infrastructure that transforms the way public and private sector live, learn, work and play. Now, the area's most advanced technological projects and new developments, are accessible under a single, user-friendly interface. It offers area residents "one window access" to a broad range of electronic services delivered in our community. The portal has and will continue to encourage, and foster, innovative partnerships among community organizations, government institutions, local businesses and private sector entities.
Connecting Windsor-Essex™ is part of the Government of Ontario's Connect Ontario smart community initiative. As defined by Industry Canada, a "smart community" is one where leaders and stakeholders form alliances and partnerships to develop innovative ways to extract both economic and social value from electronic networks and the Internet. The portal serves as our communities' official source for key information, services and contacts.
To view the Introductory Video presented at the launch, click here.
To view comments regarding the history and benefits of the project from Brian Gregg, CAO of the County of Essex,and Chair of the Board of Directors of the smart community, click here.
For more information, please contact the Project Officer for Connecting Windsor-Essex™
High Speed Home Internet Access Project Underway
Employees of Smart Community participant organizations may be able to subscribe to high-speed Internet access for home use through agreements reached with Cogeco and Primus.
Participation depends on your member organization, and what plans they may have to enter into the program. St. Clair College was the first to bring high speed access with their employees in one trial that began about 6 months ago, and the University is also serving their employees. Master agreements are now signed. Other members may now be eligible to participate. The links below are provided to give you an example of the approach used to deploy the project, which includes access to on-line instructions, FAQ's, and on-line ordering for high-speed cable (Cogeco) or high-speed DSL (Primus). Both allow users to use the phone while accessing the internet.
The main site for the project is at https://www.wednet.on.ca/HomeInternet.
In the process, an organization becomes part of the master agreement, and then they have documents and parts of the process adjusted to conform with their internal policies. They also need to provide a mechanism to verify employee status and arrange for payment. Several different types of scenarios can work, including payroll deduction. Employees also sign and submit an Employee Addendum Agreement to an internal approver within their organization, who verifies them as eligible to participate. Details on the types of Frequently Asked Questions that could be customized for the member to help employees learn about the process are at http://www.uwindsor.ca/homeinternetaccess.
Once your order is submitted on-line, its installed and you're on-line (or you are already on-line and the payment for it is simply adjusted to be part of the program). The approach is also designed to handle disconnections, new accounts, moves, or enrolments (for those already using high speed with one of the above providers).
CSCI continues to work with the member organizations to help provide a Windsor and Essex County solution as part of the Connecting Windsor-Essex™smart community initiative.
Smart Community Wireless Phone Plans Now Available Online
The Centre for Smart Community Innovation (CSCI) and the Windsor & Essex County Smart Community have been working with KELCOM and TELUS Mobility to assist participating organizations in acquiring cost-effective Blackberry wireless devices for their employees.
We are pleased to announce a new initiative that could benefit any employee working within an organization participating in the Smart Community. KELCOM and TELUS Mobility are offering employees discounted prices on both PCS and MiKE handsets as well as extremely attractive rate plans. PCS Plans start at only $12.55 per month*, and MiKe Plans are available from $20.00* per month. Those individuals taking advantage of one of the plans will be billed directly by TELUS.
Information is available online at: https://www.wednet.on.ca/kelcom.
* Plus applicable tax and licensing fees.
** New activations only.
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