Gigabit Network Technology Distribution Program

近年来，由于研究界对高性能网络设备的访问有限，更重要的是，在实验系统研究计划中有效使用高性能网络设备所需的详细技术信息，网络、分布式系统和高性能计算的研究一直受到阻碍。该项目为美国大学提供千兆网络技术，用于研究和教育。这项技术以千兆网络套件的形式分发，每个套件由一个高性能ATM交换机(支持高达2.4 GB/S的链路速度)、六个用于工作站或PC的网卡、软件(包括源代码)、包括硬件设计信息在内的大量文档组成。这些工具包旨在允许在各种不同的系统研究环境(网络、操作系统、多媒体和高性能计算)中灵活使用，并且可以在软件和硬件级别进行修改。除硬件和软件外，该计划还以为期两周的强化课程的形式提供初始用户培训，并通过用户小组、电子邮件列表和WWW网站提供持续支持，该网站提供软件、文件、所贡献研究产品的公告、错误报告和常见问题页面。还提供硬件支持。该方案还提供了一系列用户研讨会(每六个月一次)，允许用户分享经验并展示他们的工作成果。

In recent years research in networking, distributed systems, and high performance computing has been hampered by the research community's limited access to high performance networking equipment, and more importantly, the detailed technical information needed to use it effectively in experimental systems research programs. This project provides gigabit network technology to U.S. universities for use in research and education. This technology is distributed in the form of Gigabit Network Kits, each kit consisting of a high performance ATM switch (supporting link speeds of up to 2.4 Gb/s), six network interface cards for workstations or PCs, software (including source), extensive documentation, including hardware design information. The kits are designed to permit flexible use in a variety of different systems research contexts (networking, operating systems, multimedia and high performance computing), and can be modified at both the software and hardware levels. In addition to the hardware and software, the program provides initial user training in the form of a two week intensive course and ongoing support through a users' group, an electronic mailing list and a WWW site providing access to software, documentation, announcements of contributed research products, bug reports and a FAQ page. Hardware support is also provided. The program also provides for a series of user workshops, (one every six months), allowing users to share experiences and demonstrate results from their work.