Future of Library Network Equipment (Edge Equipment)

Background Current Edge Equipment for Libraries purchased as early as The current equipment is obsolete. Current equipment is unable to provide the capacity for future expansion. (e.g., gigabit networks in the building.) The eiNetwork budget cannot sustain replacement of the edge equipment at all locations without a long term replacement plan similar in format to the PC Replacement program. Larger sites (with more than 40 networked devices) would require additional equipment. In the past 10 years, Erate funding has not been available to eiNetwork for network equipment. There is some indication that this may be changing and we have submitted an Erate application for forty qualifying sites, but this (if awarded) could provide additional discounts.

Recent Steps RFI earlier this year Potential respondents were asked to propose products and services that would address basic equipment obsolescence, and to the extent possible, provide the network infrastructure to support new library services and public access to electronic information 6 responses from equipment manufacturers Developed cost model for libraries over next 5 years Requested and approved (tentatively) RAD grant for Y1

Technical Requirements Each facility would require a router and switches with minimum 48 ports Gigabit standard Quality of Service capabilities (QoS) Dynamic VLAN assignments VoIP protocols and technologies Advanced routing and firewall capabilities

Next Steps RFP Vendor selection Erate application Implementation planning Program commencement