The Access Grid is a network of sites dedicated to high quality audio and real time video. The Access Grid allows for multiple group-to-group communications via high-speed networking. Each site on the Access Grid network is referred to as a Node.

Each of the LBRN partner sites will have an Access Grid Node to enhance research collaboration. Most of LBRN's Access Grid Nodes are in various states of construction or fully operational. Operational sites are listed below. When these nodes are fully operational they will allow researchers at each institution to more easily collaborate with their counterparts not only at our partner institutions but also throughout the country.

A space is generally needed although we've had good success with a portable node nicknamed "Wilbur" the PIG (PIG = Personal Interface to the access Grid). Generally a room already used as a meeting space, auditorium, or classroom may work nicely - our most productive rooms are meeting spaces with multiple purposes where good scheduling is maintained. There should be room to hold the equipment, an technology facilitator, and space enough for the people that will be colaborating using the Node. Attention to the "environment" of the space such as: tables, networking, wall space, chairs, phone-line, sound /noise levels in the room, lighting, etc. should be addressed.

In order to connect to the Access Grid network an adequate network connection is needed. A multicast enabled 100bT connection to the node hardware is required and at least DS3 bandwidth to the Internet from the node is recommended. Appropriate QoS / permissions should be allowed for as well as public IP's to the equipment. Note: this system scales up in bandwidth as the meetings scale up in participation. Thus, a couple of sites will not require as much bandwidth as many sites.

Examples of a typical installation - hardware for an Access Grid:
cameras (4), projectors (3), "display wall", consumer-grade/dual processor computers (4), audio speakers (2), microphones (4), presentation computer/interactive display/board, an echo cancelation device.

How much does this all cost?

Just like buying a car the cost depends on how many extras you want. The standard cost is approximately $50,000 for the equipment for a standard "room node." There may be more costs involved in the room renovation and extras. The cost can also go up or down depending on the quality of individual components desired, such as the projectors. One should not skimp on the quality of the audio nor the echo cancelling hardware. The site with the worst audio causes audio problems for the rest of the nodes.

For more information about Access Grids, how to build them, and nodes around the world visit: www.accessgrid.org and www.agcentral.org