BiSON Network Project

The Bi-State Optical Network, or BiSON, is a private high speed optical network that connects the University of Wyoming to the Front Range GigaPop (FRGP) in Denver, Colorado.

The FRGP (www.frgp.net) is a network peering location in Denver and is operated by a consortium of research and higher education institutions in the front range of the Rocky Mountains. FRGP members include the University of Wyoming, Colorado State University, University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Colorado – Denver, Denver University, Colorado School of Mines, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The FRGP provides a connection point for connections to the Commodity Internet (multiple connections), and specialized research networks including the Internet2 (www.internet2.edu).

The BiSON ring is operated by a consortium consisting of the University of Wyoming (UW), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Colorado State University (CSU), and the University of Colorado - Boulder (CU-B). The BiSON ring provides high-availability since it provides two redundant fiber paths from each of the consortium members. From UW’s perspective, optical fiber runs east to Cheyenne then south to Denver, and a western route that goes south to Ft. Collins then south to Denver. The fibers and attached equipment form a complete ring that encompasses Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins and Laramie. The fiber ring is designed to survive any single fiber cut or equipment failure.

UW has on the east bound side a 100G connection and on the west a 20G connection. The east 100G is the primary link for UW to Internet2 and the general internet. The west 20G is a backup with the same connectivity just lower speed.

Diagrams: (UWYO user name and password required.)

• Map
• Architecture
• Network