Abstract
Can we, as regional optical networks (RONs), National LambdaRail, Darkstrand, National Public Lightpath, and key associations like SURA, "connect the dots" into becoming a national innovation network? As next-generation networks, can we collaborate among ourselves to stimulate more high-performance computing and computational science and engineering to solve mankind's greatest problems? Could this vision attract broadband investment dollars from the Obama administration? These questions will be addressed by a diverse panel of key network operators and users followed by open discussion with the audience.