University builds 'virtual campus' with Nortel

The School of Engineering at the University of Porto has used equipment from Nortel Networks to set up a 'virtual campus' for more than 7,000 students.

Based on Gigabit Ethernet networking technology, faculty and students at one of Portugal's largest higher learning establishments can make use of video conferencing, streaming of lectures and online exchange of papers and plans.

The exact value of the deal has not been disclosed though it is thought to be in excess of E1m.

Among the Nortel kit in use is Nortel Networks BayStack 450 Ethernet and Passport 8600 Routing switches and Nortel Networks Alteon 2424 SSL Accelerator.

Jorge Rocha, network manager at the University of Porto's School of Engineering, said that one of the key criteria was being able to easily adapt and integrate the vendor's technology with the organisation's own management software.

The University of Porto has 16 different faculties and is one of the largest colleges in Portugal.