An opportunity for delegates to develop their personal knowledge, exchange information on 'real world' network experiences, and understand future network development scenarios.

Speakers are encouraged from the university sector, as well as from the private and research sectors. There will be a number of world class speakers, including:

Ben Teitelbaum (Abilene, Internet2),

David Lassner (University of Hawaii),

Robin Eckermann (TransACT), and

Professor Daniel Pitt (Nortel Networks).

The Organising Committee is also seeking a number of student papers. Sponsorship will be available for up to three students for full registration, travel and accommodation expenses. Student papers should relate to works undertaken in conjunction with their study, whether undertaken individually or in a team.

Suitable topics in line with the theme for this year's conference,
"Telecommunications Across the Range" could be:

• Regional Communication Issues and Challenges;
• Wide Area Networking;
• Data/Voice Convergence;
• General Telecommunications Issues;
• Wireless, Mobile Networking;
• Mobile Devices (PDA etc.)
• Voice Over IP;
• Network Management;
• Network needs and planning for major institutions;
• Strategic Network planning
• Operational Telecommunications Issues, such as:
  • Web portals;
  • Firewall Security, Secure Gateways;
  • Federal Government Internet Legislation;
  • Telecommunications charge-back schemes;
  • Microwave/Fibre infrastructure issues etc.;
• High Performance Computing/Networking;

For further information contact the QUESTnet Organising Committee Chairman, Dr. Jeff McDonell, Director Information Technology Services.