Facts about the “TII Network Project” at Fresno State

What is TII?

Over the next two years California State University, Fresno will see several new buildings under construction. But a number of other improvements to the campus aren’t above the ground.  Probably one of the most important building projects is one that is the least noticed. The CSU system is investing more than $18 million on our campus to ensure that we have the most capable computer and networking infrastructure possible. It’s called the Technology 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.  And how fast is that?  That’s 1 billion “bits” per second…a one-hundred time improvement over our current network.  Files that used to take several minutes to transmit will now take a second or two.  On-campus servers will seem to be instantly available, rather than experiencing delays because of the network. It will make things like videoconferencing commonplace, and distance learning more “real-time,” interactive and accessible. 

Over the next months you’ll be seeing considerable construction work 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. 

We’ll do everything possible to minimize the fuss, but please bear with our colleagues as they make these improvements. We’ll keep you informed as the work affects your area. 

A special Web site has been prepared to provide you with regular updates about the progress of the TII Network at Fresno State  Go to FresnoStateNews.com and click on the TII link.  Here's a link to a recent online PowerPoint presentation on the TII project: http://www.csufresno.edu/its/TII/htmlversion/medJune2004TII_files/frame.htm

How will the project affect you?

As the project brings high-speed networking across the campus our students, faculty and staff will have access to the widest range of information resources and technology, equal or superior to any other university in California.  That will improve our teaching and learning, improve the quality of our student experience, and boost administrative and personal productivity.

The first phases of construction of the network will be seen on campus this fall as trenches are dug, networking structures are built and fiber optic and copper cabling begins to be installed. There will be traffic delays as the network equipment is installed under roads, and pedestrians will have to cope with campus construction.  As the project continues, the use of campus buildings will be affected as cables and equipment are installed.

Most of the work will be done at night and in phases to minimize disruptions.  The contractor doing the work has successfully completed the same type of project at other CSU campuses and is experienced at accommodating the needs of faculty and staff.  The TII Web site has a complete description of when work will be done.  For example, the first building to have the new cable installed will be Family and Food Science.  A network team composed of our staff and outside experts will work with each building faculty and staff before, during and after the work to minimize disruptions. All of the network improvements will be in place and fully operational by Fall 2006.