What Gigabit Internet Means for Duke
Duke’s chief information officer explains how ultra-fast service impacts the Duke community
Earlier this year, Google announced that an ultra-fast “Google Fiber” (gigabit) broadband Internet service would be coming to the Triangle, including Durham. AT&T also has plans for a “GigaPower” fiber-optic network for Durham. Both will give residents access to superfast internet and bandwidth to enhance video streaming, gaming, high definition TV, and superfast download speeds. What do these broadband developments mean for the Duke community?
Working@Duke sat down with Tracy Futhey, Duke’s chief information officer, to learn more.
What is the significance for the Duke community?Gigabit broadband is almost 100 times faster than the average Internet connection speed available in America today. Ten years from now, gigabit speeds may be commonplace, but at the moment, our area will soon become one of a small number of regions worldwide where gigabit speeds are available not just at work but also in our homes. Faster speeds in our residences will give more flexibility to where and how people work. The Duke University campus has had gigabit internet service for about a decade, but the ability to take that technology off-campus gives that same power to students, staff, faculty and our neighbors at home. Given the creativity of the Duke community and the region, we’re looking forward to exciting advancements in science, virtual healthcare, arts visualization and other areas by our faculty, students and staff.
How are gigabit speeds likely to be used?The sharp, crisp video and audio made possible by gigabit connections will make online interactions feel more like in-person interactions. I think that will lead to a real transformation in how we work with one another and the world around us. But it’s more than high-end videoconferencing. For example, several people in physically separate locations could collaborate simultaneously in real time to visualize and manipulate virtual 3D architectural or engineering models. Remote consultations or medical examinations could impact the delivery of healthcare, and with high resolution, could allow clinicians to pick up on subtle and important physical signs not visible with today’s videoconferencing capabilities. Beyond collaboration and research, there are undoubtedly going to be new advances in gaming and entertainment enabled by the networks.What role did Duke play in bringing gigabit broadband to the Triangle?
Duke has been a significant force behind the effort to bring gigabit broadband to our region, including two years of coordination with North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN). We worked closely with N.C. State, UNC, Wake Forest, Durham and surrounding communities to attract interest from several companies who offered to launch gigabit broadband service. Last year, NCNGN negotiated a master agreement with AT&T, and then Google announced its plans to bring Google Fiber to communities in the Triangle.
When will gigabit service be available?AT&T’s fiber optic network is under construction in Durham now, and we expect service to launch this calendar year. Google Fiber is working with cities in the Triangle area to design its network, which will take several months to complete before construction can begin.
Next steps? North Carolina Next Generation Network will begin to coordinate with faculty researchers, students, corporate partners, and local entrepreneurs to find ways to utilize the ultra-fast bandwidth and develop new applications and uses within our region. If you think you might have the next great idea, please send ideas to Kevin Davis, Duke OIT's director of service management and operational integration.