OPTO-CHIPS TO INCREASE DATA SPEED - Researchers recently announced a breakthrough technology - opto-chips, that could increase fiber networks' ability to provide high-bandwidth Internet access. An Opto-chip is an electro-optic modulator that sends data as light signals through fiber-optic networks at 10 times the rate of current modulators, and the new technology needs only 0.8 volts to operate, compared to the 5 volts today's modulators require. In addition, the opto-chip retains more of the data, with less disruption to the data streams. The new modulator is made from polymers, while modulators now in use are grown as crystals from lithium niobate. Opto-chips could allow fiber-optic networks to provide very high-speed. The technology could be commercially available in two years and provide Internet access to unlimited numbers of customers, if it passes long-term testing. Providing it passes the testing and other component technologies are developed, opto-chips would enable users to instantaneously download movies and music files. (Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr 00)

INTERNET2 - Significant advances in Internet2's high-speed networks and digital video at the Spring 2000 Internet2 meeting. Attendees saw a live C-Span2 news conference of Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) discussing a proposed constitutional amendment. The International Center for Advanced Internet Research research plans to join with C-Span, IBM and Internet2 to create an indexing and retrieval system for a digital archive of C-Span broadcasts and to develop a digital video portal site to rapidly locate any archived C-Span broadcast. An effort is also underway to build a prototype for storing videoconferencing addresses for students and faculty in a central campus directory. (Chronicle of Higher Education Online, 30 March 00)