Present and future implementation of high-speed networks at 4200 m: the Mauna Kea Observatories communications network

The University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy is developing a high-bandwidth data communications system that will connect the telescope facilities of the Mauna Kea Observatories with base support facilities at lower elevation and with other institutions worldwide. A key component of this project is an extensive fiber-optic cable plant that links the observatories at the Mauna Kea summit with each other and with a mid-level support facility. The first application of the fiber-optic system, a fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) token ring with a circumference of over 32 km and seven nodes, is in operation. Plans are underway to install an OC-12 or OC-24 Sonet ring to improve the efficiency of fiber use. We describe the needs and applications of the multinational Mauna Kea Observatories, the current network configuration, impending network development, and future networking plans to accommodate additional users and applications. We summarize our experiences in dealing with FDDI token rings over single-mode fibers.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.