DC-NET is a fiber optic telecommunications network that provides network infrastructure support for the District of Columbia. The network consists of a resilient set of interconnected fiber optic rings which will eventually connect hundreds of government and semi-government buildings in the District. The network is built on SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork) technology components interconnected via optical fibers from various providers. The DC-NET network delivers a fully redundant, high-quality, transport network – capable of carrying voice, data, video and wireless communications. The DC-NET network lays the foundation for all DC government IT services for the 21st Century and beyond.
The network itself consists of a number of “backbone” fiber rings plus “access” fiber rings capable of connecting to virtually every DC government location. The benefits for the District and for agencies are numerous and include: superior service with reduced costs, SONET ring failover in the event of a fiber cut or equipment failure, disaster recovery and business continuity capability, plus reduced dependencies on Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) for voice and data services.
DC-NET will help overcome the “digital divide” at schools, libraries and community centers with its support for streaming video and distance learning. DC-NET will facilitate high-bandwidth data connectivity supporting “bandwidth hungry” applications like telemedicine, web-casting, and video conferencing as well as providing reliable transport for public safety voice, radio, and data traffic. DC-NET will provide enormous growth potential to meet the future needs of the District and agencies.
When completed, DC-NET will eventually connect over 400 governmental and semi-governmental buildings including: police, EMA and fire radio towers; police, fire and emergency management facilities; administrative buildings; public schools and libraries; recreation and community centers; District-owned hospitals and clinics; and with semi-governmental entities such as WASA, WMATA and UDC.
View the slide presentation and video on this page to learn more about DC-NET.