The Next Generation Internet (NGI) is a federally funded initiative to connect U.S. research institutions and national laboratories, and promote domestic network development and scientific research. The National Science Foundation (NSF), as one of the federal agencies supporting NGI, extends U.S. scientific research opportunities internationally, through its support of STAR TAP. Internet2, a private effort by U.S. universities to upgrade their network connections, also emphasizes STAR TAP as a solution for universal connectivity.

For more information contact:
Thomas A. DeFanti
Director, Electronic Visualization Laboratory
University of Illinois at Chicago
tom @ uic.edu

NAP Connectivity
There are two ways to connect to the STAR TAP Network Access Point (NAP), located in Chicago, Illinois: a carrier can run a line into the Ameritech Advanced Data Services (AADS) office, or AADS can extend its service to another office/suite in the Chicago area. See: http://www.aads.net/ for AADS connectivity and pricing information.

Submit questions regarding engineering to: techsupport @ startap.net

Ameritech Provisioning Interval
Source: http://www.aads.net/napPricing.htm

The price of an Ameritech NAP connection is distance-sensitive and based on the location where the ISP's network meets Ameritech's. ATM pricing also varies according to contract length, with price reductions for longer term contracts. NAP connection prices start at $3,900 per month for a DS3, and $4,700 per month for an OC3. Duration of 12, 36 or 60 month terms are available.

The target Date of Service Availability can take from 4-12 weeks, depending on how the connection is made and the line speed of the connection. The fastest implementations are carrier meets, which can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks from the date we get a valid Carrier Facility Assignment from the customer.

IF AMERITECH IS PROVIDING THE COMPLETE CIRCUIT, THAT IS, RUNNING A LOOP INTO YOUR BUILDING AND TERMINATING AT A SUITE, THEN BUDGET 8-12 WEEKS FOR THE INSTALLATION.

When pricing a circuit into Chicago use the following address of the Franklin Street Central Office:

311 West Washington Street

where NPA/NXX = 312.727

and the CLLI = CHGILFR

For a price quote, please send e-mail to: ameritechisp@ameritech.com and techsupport @ startap.net

Please provide:

1. your company name

2. your postal address

3. NPA/NXX (the phone number at your or your carrier's Point of Presence in Chicago).

International Transit Network (ITN)
Transit services interconnecting National Research Networks, via the Internet2 Abilene and Canadian CA*net4 networks.