Press Releases
Ohio’s Terabit Network takes shape as OARnet moves to 400 Gbps
OARnet makes progress on major upgrade to statewide fiber-optic backbone
OARnet is transitioning its statewide, fiber-optic backbone from 100 Gigabits per second (Gbps) to 400 Gbps connectivity—a significant milestone on the path to 1 Terabit (1,000 Gbps)—to accommodate the rising demand for broadband services in Ohio and to position the state for further technology innovation and economic growth.
OARnet 2023-24 Annual Report
Annual report highlights client services, updates to the statewide fiber-optic backbone, cost savings and more
Greetings,
I am pleased to share OARnet’s 2023-24 fiscal year annual report, which spotlights how OARnet is supporting clients across the state of Ohio by advancing broadband infrastructure, providing affordable technology services and offering personalized customer solutions. In this year’s report you will learn more about:
Fall 2024 Member Meeting focuses on cybersecurity topics, infrastructure and service enhancements
OARnet hosts IT community meetings to discuss issues relevant to Ohio higher education
OARnet hosted its fall Member Meeting on Nov. 14, 2024, at its facility in Columbus to provide updates on its services and infrastructure and foster discussion on issues such as cybersecurity.
OARnet partners with BEMC to bring next-generation connectivity to Ohio public broadcasting
Infrastructure upgrade will ensure resiliency and stability for statewide public television and radio services
The Broadcast Educational Media Commission (BEMC) plays a critical role in providing news and information programming to Ohio citizens through eight public television and 15 public radio stations across the state. Supported by the Ohio Legislature and funded by taxpayer dollars, BEMC and its partners help citizens learn about current events, alert them to public emergencies, and educate children and adults.
OARnet celebrates decades of client service excellence
Client Services team enables Ohio’s education, government and public health care communities to optimize their use of broadband to develop and expand technology-based solutions
OARnet’s Business Relationship Managers (BRM) provide personalized and professional services to a large and diverse range of clients across the state of Ohio.
Launched in 1987 to provide higher education institutions connection to the Ohio Supercomputer Center, OARnet has since grown exponentially over the years to also serve K-12 schools, health care facilities, public broadcasting sites, research facilities and thousands of local and state government sites, including public safety, NG-911 and the Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS).
OARnet connectivity empowers Ohio State agricultural center’s exploration of autonomous farming
State fiber-optic backbone supports industry advancements in farming technologies
With a $125,000 grant from BroadbandOhio, The Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences worked with OARnet to enhance internet connectivity at its Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.
Enhanced connectivity at Springfield airport supports aviation technology innovation, economic development
OARnet collaborates with state, municipal and private partners on new National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence
OARnet collaborates with state, municipal and private partners on new National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence
OARnet hosts spring 2024 Member Meeting in conjunction with OHECC
OARnet hosted its semi-annual Member Meeting on May 22 in conjunction with the Ohio Higher Education Computing Council (OHECC) annual conference held at The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. The meeting provided an opportunity for OARnet and its partners to share information and generate discussion on topics impacting higher education institutions.
OARnet leadership provided updates on hardware and service upgrades for member institutions:
OARnet, Ohio State partner on quantum network initiative to boost state cybersecurity
With support from Ohio’s Third Frontier Research Initiative, the project aims to strengthen and secure information exchange across the state’s fiber-optic network
OARnet will partner with The Ohio State University on a new project, funded by a $750,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), to build long-distance quantum networks that will increase information security in the state.
The grant is part of the latest round of awards from ODHE’s Third Frontier Research Initiative, which provided a total of $3.3 million to four higher education institutions for innovative new projects in December.
OARnet helps K-12 school districts meet rising technology needs
In partnership with the Management Council, OARnet completes major bandwidth upgrade for Information Technology Centers and large urban school districts
Hundreds of K–12 school districts across Ohio are benefitting from a boost in bandwidth after OARnet and its partners upgraded their connectivity from 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) to 100 Gbps this year, with up to 200 Gbps capability available for future expansion.
The project, supported by a U.S. Department of Education Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund grant to the Management Council, updated the infrastructure for six large urban school districts and 17 Information Technology Centers (ITCs) that serve Ohio districts.
