AARNet & QUT connect PNG university to the Internet

Stuart Corner
Monday, 01 February 2010 17:47

IT Industry - Strategy

The Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Open Systems Consultants have installed a WiFi network on the Madang campus of Papua New Guinea's Divine World University to enable Internet access via satellite

The wireless network will connect to the eduroam federation and will allow researchers and academics on the campus to access the Internet at up to 5Mbps downstream and 1Mbps upstream. Authentication traffic will be directed by the Papua New Guinea Academic and Research Network (PNGARNet) to the AARNet backbone.

AARNet CEO, Chris Hancock, CEO of AARNet said, "The collaboration and contributions in kind from AARNet, Queensland University of Technology and Open Systems Consultants will advance research and education opportunities between Papua New Guinea and the rest of the world.

"Today, we have delivered an essential link to provide visiting researchers and academics with a secure wireless Internet network to transmit information and communicate with their counterparts when visit Papua New Guinea.

"AARNet's collaboration with PNGARNet highlights the strategic importance of bringing NRENs together to improve the performance of innovation to sustain a better world. We are committed to working with our neighbours in the Pacific region to advance collaboration and education in this region."

Following the connection of DWU's Madang campus to the eduroam federation, AARNet, QUT and Open Systems Consultants say they will be looking to connect the University of Papua New Guinea later in 2010.