Gigabit Ethernet installation

Phase One (September 2000): Replace the existing Synoptics/Bay Networks

Inc. Fiber Distributed Data Interface ring, which has been in place since

1993, with a Layer 3 backbone from Cisco Systems Inc.

Phase Two (2001): Begin upgrading the 10 megabits/sec shared Ethernet

hubs in many buildings to Layer 2 switches and begin installing fiber-optic

lines to support a Gigabit Ethernet network. Layer 2 switches offer about

32 gigabits/sec aggregate switching capacity. Perform backhaul of satellite

links through Raytheon Co.'s corporate headquarters to optimize the satellite

bandwidth of the voice-over-IP network.

Phase Three (January 2002): Complete the upgrade of hubs and network.