Due to a generous donation from Cabletron Systems of Rochester, NH we have
approximately 140 Workgroup SmartSwitchs to distribute to Vermont schools.
The switches consist of several chassis mounted modules including redundant
power supplies and a controller module. Ethernet modules have 24 ports and
each switch can be configured to support 3 modules for a total of 72 ports.
These modules are 10MB ONLY and do not support 100MB. Patch cables are
included. In addition, we have ATM and FDDI modules; however, no APIMS or
FPIMS are supplied.

Approximately 40 switches have been configured and assembled to support
networks requiring 24 ports. The remainder of the switches can be configured
according to site-specific needs.

These switches are not warranteed by the manufacturer, and because we
anticipate some hardware failures, we will retain a number of modules to
replace parts that are found to be defective upon installation.

We will attempt to honor as many requests as possible. However, if demand
exceeds our supply, we will prioritize the requests by first supplying those
schools that are in the process of building or expanding networks. Second
priority will go to schools that intend to replace hubs with switches. If
further prioritization is required, preference will go to those schools that
received TLCF funding during fiscal 1999.

We would like this process to be a simple as possible and therefore ask that
you email your request to me ([log in to unmask]) indicating

1. The name of the school, name of contact person and email address.
2. The number of switches needed.
3. The number of network connections to be switched.
4. The location (in the building) where the switch will be housed.
5. Your Internet connection speed.
6. A brief explanation for your request, i.e. Expanding existing network,
replacing hubs, etc.
7. If you need FDDI or ATM configurations, please explain.
8. Attach a network diagram, if possible.


Requests must be received by September 30, 1999 at 4:00 PM.

Once awards have been made, the hardware must be picked up at the General
Services Warehouse in Middlesex. The date and time will be announced at the
time of the award.


Philip Hyjek
School Information Technology Specialist
Vermont Institute for Science, Math & Technology
Dillingham Hall
7 West Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
802.828.0063
802.828.0076 (fax)