What This Document Is
This document provides a focused exploration of the external network connectivity infrastructure at the University of California, Berkeley, as part of the Introduction to Communication Networks (ELENG 122) course. It details the evolution of network connections, from earlier architectures to more modern implementations, and examines the considerations involved in building and maintaining a high-performance network for a large research institution. It’s a historical and technical overview geared towards students seeking a deeper understanding of real-world network design.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students enrolled in communication networks courses, particularly those interested in the practical challenges of connecting a major university to regional and national networks. It’s beneficial for anyone preparing for network engineering roles, or seeking to understand the complexities of large-scale network infrastructure. Reviewing this material will enhance comprehension of lecture topics and provide context for future coursework. It’s particularly useful when studying network evolution, backbone technologies, and the trade-offs involved in network design decisions.
Topics Covered
* Historical overview of California Research and Education Network (CalREN) development and iterations.
* Evolution of network bandwidth and technologies (OC-x, ATM, Gigabit Ethernet, DWDM).
* Considerations for network redundancy, reliability, and cost optimization.
* The role of peering agreements and commodity internet connections.
* Challenges related to campus infrastructure and support.
* Examination of network architecture and connectivity to regional and national research networks.
What This Document Provides
* A chronological account of UCB’s external network connectivity.
* Discussion of the factors influencing network design choices.
* Insights into the operational challenges of managing a large-scale network.
* An overview of the technologies used to build and maintain network infrastructure.
* Contextual information regarding the user base served by the network.
* Details regarding specific network components and their locations within the UCB campus.
