Internet2 – the next generation of the Internet – is an
ultra-high-speed network developed by a nonprofit consortium of
universities, industry and government to speed the exchange of complex
information. Minnesota school have access to Internet2 because
they are an education group sponsored by the University of Minnesota.
Partners in this venture include the University of Minnesota, the
Minnesota Deparment of Education, and the Regional Telecommunication
Networks. Many others have participated in special projects and pilots, some featured on our projects page.
Internet2 is a consortium of more than 300 U.S. colleges and
universities working with partners from leading corporations,
government agencies, research labs and international organizations to
develop the next-generation Internet. Launched in 1996, Internet2 is a
membership-based, commercial-free venture involving an infrastructure
that is independent of – but interfaces with – the existing “commodity
Internet.” Participating institutions fund Internet2 development
through their membership fees. In addition, they commit human resources
to this collaborative effort.
