There are several really big science projects here and they all generate huge volumes of data. Our 800 pound gorilla right now is the South Pole Telescope, a 10-meter in diameter radio telescope that scans the cosmic microwave background. They're looking for things like dark matter, and it generates tons of data that they want to send back to the states as quickly as possible.
If we didn't have [satellite broadband] they would have to store the data for the nine-month winter. This way they can see the results much quicker. They can also analyze any issues with the telescope and correct them while the winter observing season is going on, rather than having to wait a full year.
How do you support the researchers and scientists?
Generally they provide their own equipment and we provide the back end. But when something breaks we do step forward and help them get it repaired.
Many scientists -- and I can't say that I blame them -- don't want to trust their data to anyone else. Our support is really just providing the communications they need, providing the technical expertise.
Do the conditions affect reliability and uptime at all?
It is incredibly dry [so] static electricity is a huge problem for us. We lose more laptops and hard drives to static electricity than anything else. Our biggest failures are things like power supplies and hard drives. We're at an altitude of 12,000 feet and with the thin air here, cooling fans don't push a lot of air. Anything heat related tends to need a lot of extra TLC.
Hard drives also have a problem with the high altitude. Most hard drive heads float on a cushion of air above the platter. We have fewer air molecules for hard drives to float on so we have more hard drive crashes than anywhere else.
What happens when something breaks?
Getting service is a little tough. We try to maintain at least a year's worth of spare parts.
What's the most fun --and least fun -- part of your job?
The most fun is working with the scientists. Everybody down here -- from the dishwasher to the scientists to the construction guys -- they all have interesting background stories. Nobody here is your average person.
The worst part is that I've done two full years down here and being away from your friends and family, especially for the holidays, can be really tough sometimes.
What unique management issues do you face?
We have to order and plan and do everything a year and a half in advance to get supplies on time. We get supplies by airplane, but those come through McMurdough station [and] it is supplied once a year by a cargo vessel.
It's also a physically demanding job. A lot of people who come down here immediately get sick from the altitude.
Other than the cold and the environment and the lack of fresh food and vegetables, sometimes it almost feels like I could be somewhere in the real world. But then I look out the window and see the South Pole in my front yard and realize that I have one of the best jobs in the world.
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D-Link Australia & New Zealand
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IP BASED PHONE SYSTEM
D-Link VoiceCenter
D-Link VoiceCenter is an IP based phone system designed to meet the needs of small businesses. D-Link have solely partnered with Microsoft to package Microsoft’s Response Point software to bring you VoiceCenter. For more info on VoiceCenter's products and events please visit: http://voicecenter.dlink.com.au -
AWARD WINNING STORAGE
DNS-343 4-Bay NAS Enclosure
D-Links new 4-bay network attached storage enclosure has just received ZDNet's Editor's Choice award and a rating of 9 out of 10 by Craig Simms from CNET See the review here. The DNS-343 release followed the great success of its smaller sibling the 2-bay DNS-323. Targeted at both the home IT enthusiast and commercial users needing a flexible storage solution the DNS-343 is showing good market performance. -
EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS ONE
DSA-3600 Multi-Service Gateway
Any business that’s serious about networking must consider installing this gateway. Feature rich the DSA-3600 multi-service business gateway is a complete network solution that delivers reliable and cost-effective services to SMB and enterprise branch offices. Perfect for setting up a commercial grade wireless connection for the office the unit is simple and easy to manage. -
WI-FI FOR MOBILE WORK SITES
DIR-451 Mobile 3G Router
Perfect for mobile and temporary work-sites the mobile 3G router quickly and easily can connect your site back to the office. Recently the United States Air Force has used D-Link Mobile 3G routers on its remote base camps to connect soldiers with other Air Force departments, local agencies, friends and families. To see the complete case study click here.
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DIR-855
The highly anticipated simultaneous broadcasting dual band wireless N router has arrived. The DIR-855 is set to make massive waves and take home/SOHO wireless networking to a new generation. Unlike other networking manufacturers who promote dual band the new DIR-855 will provide users simultaneous dual band wireless networks, opening up another range of opportunities for wireless networking. - DUAL BAND USB ADAPTER
DWA-160 Xtreme N USB Wi-Fi
The new dual band wireless N USB adapter is ideal for simultaneous dual band environments. For example in apartment buildings where there are heavily congested 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or at the home stream HD video over the network and making VoIP calls at the same time.
Coming Soon
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WI-FI ACCESS POINT/BRIDGE
DAP-1522 Xtreme N Duo
A new addition to the Xtreme N family this wireless N access point/bridge effectively doubles available wireless bandwidth. Designed for users looking to get a true wireless connection that can handle multiple High-Definition video streaming throughout the house it can take the home network to a new level. - GOT NAKED DSL
DVA-G3670B ADSL2+ Wireless G VoIP Modem Router
Naked DSL customers now have the perfect feature rich product solution the DVA-G3670B to take advantage of naked DSL features. This ADSL2+ (naked DSL compatible) modem Wireless G router comes with 2 VoIP phone connections and is ideal for the growing market who don't want to pay the unnecessary line rental fee. Ultimately this unit is an ideal all-in-one home network solution and even SOHO small business solution.
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