Colleges and Universities

Higher education institutions have been valued collaborators and clients of MCNC since the 1980s. North Carolina’s Universities and Colleges are pillars in communities throughout the state, and MCNC proudly provides them with networking and technology services. MCNC’s world-class, 4,400-mile fiber network, NCREN (North Carolina Research and Education Network) and MCNC’s operational expertise provide a strong foundation for the state’s public and private universities and colleges.

Broadband is essential for success in higher education

Keeping Up with Demand

There are more than 50 universities and colleges throughout North Carolina. Each continues to increasingly integrate broadband-dependent technologies in curriculum and administration, and access is required for students, faculty, and staff both on and off campus. Implementation of new digital learning environments and dynamic online courses and degrees is further proof that demand for middle-mile bandwidth in higher education will continue to rise. To accommodate this growth, MCNC offers Internet connections ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps.

Contracted Services

Through a contract arrangement, each campus has the ability to take advantage of special discount rates for Internet services provided by MCNC. Additionally, each client receives DNS and Enhanced DDoS protection. Some campuses also receive multipoint video conferencing and video streaming at no added costs. In addition to the services available via the contract, MCNC’s entire suite of services and solutions is available to Universities and Colleges, including security and consulting services. Click here to see the “Did You Know” document in the Resources Library.

Collaborative Learning Environments

A connection to MCNC’s network provides Universities and Colleges an unfettered, high-bandwidth infrastructure that can grow to meet education needs. MCNC interconnects North Carolina’s higher education community with each other, the nation, and the world, thereby helping to enhance the learning experience for students, instructors, and administrations as their bandwidth needs are cost-effectively met. This level of broadband connectivity will help give rise to new ideas, greater educational attainment, and a better prepared workforce.

Collaboration and Research at Work

In 1985, Duke University, NC A&T State University, NC State University, UNC-Charlotte, and UNC-Chapel Hill were the first universities connected to MCNC’s network. The first two-way, interactive class transmitted over the network was a team-taught course between Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. It became a model for distance learning classes. Today, MCNC’s infrastructure allows for high-performance video sessions among all connected universities and colleges to conduct credit course work, seminars, administrative meetings, and participatory collaborations where teams or individuals can join via desktop or integrated room systems.

Why Colleges and Universities Choose MCNC

Reliable Broadband

Meets the needs of the Universities and Colleges via high-bandwidth primary and backup connections.

Secure Network

Enhanced DDoS Protection provided at no additional cost.

Support

The proactive, North Carolina based Network Operations Center staff are available 24x7x365.

Satisfaction

MCNC’s overall satisfaction rate is over 99%.

Internet2

Universities and Colleges gain access to Internet2, a national research and education network.

Solutions

MCNC works collaboratively with Universities and Colleges to create customized solutions for their campuses.

Engagement

The UNC System Office and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and their members are represented on MCNC’s Board of Directors and/or Advisory Council.