Network Overview

Current Network Map [pdf]

OARnet provides Ohioans with the most advanced, statewide telecommunications network dedicated to research, education and economic competitiveness in the nation. OARnet’s network backbone of more than 1,850 miles of highly scalable, fiber-optic cable serves Ohio’s colleges and universities, K-12 schools, academic medical centers, public broadcasting stations, and federal and industrial research partners.

The network's massive increase in capacity over the legacy network provides Ohioans revolutionary ways for conducting research in areas such as fuel-cell technology, cancer treatment, bioinformatics and DNA mapping. OARnet also allows children to take virtual field trips and share classrooms across the state and around the world without leaving their schools. It lets doctors consult with patients in the next county or with colleagues in the next state without leaving their offices. And, it still provides researchers with high-bandwidth access to supercomputers in the blink of an eye.

In July 2007, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed an executive order that created the Ohio Broadband Council to oversee broadband development efforts in the state and the Broadband Ohio Network, which pairs OARnet with the NextGen Network, a virtual state and local government network developed by acquiring available bandwidth from OARnet. The order directed state agencies to use the NextGen Network, rather than the patchwork of public and private networks agencies previously used, allowing the state to realize cost savings and efficiencies.

“I created the Ohio Broadband Council to establish Ohio as a world-class competitor by making Ohio the national leader in broadband access,” said Governor Strickland. “I have directed the council to help develop the jobs of the future by leveraging the state’s investment in broadband infrastructure, and to create cost savings through the coordination of Ohio’s public broadband resources.”

In November 2004, following nearly two years of development, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Al Frink, Ohio Congressman Ralph Regula and Ohio Governor Bob Taft launched the current fiber-optic network. State and federal funds were used to purchase OARnet backbone infrastructure and equipment, including unused, or “dark fiber,” acquired from several telecommunications companies and service providers.

“I am pleased to have played a role in advancing a state-of-the-art project that will improve medical care, promote education and improve the lives of thousands of Ohioans,” said Regula, following the approval in January 2004 of federal funding for OARnet network applications.

OARnet was created in 1987 by the Ohio General Assembly as an Ohio Board of Regents initiative to provide academic researchers in Ohio with network access to the resources of the Ohio Supercomputer Center in Columbus.