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Fluke causes university Internet outage

Katie Taylor, Acting Editor in Chief

Aug. 29, Miami University experienced an Internet service outage that lasted nearly three hours.

The outage, which began at 10 a.m., prevented on-campus users from accessing external websites, and prevented off-campus users from reaching university Internet services.

At approximately 12:40 p.m., the connection was restored, although only allowing for limited Internet access.

Senior director for IT Communication and Relationship Management Cathy McVey confirmed that the cause of the outage was determined to be a cut OARNET fiber between Oxford and Columbus. The cause of the cut fiber has not yet been reported.

OARNET is a division of the Ohio Board of Regents Ohio Technology Consortium that provides the fiber-optic backbone throughout much of the state.  

This fiber damage, combined with a simultaneous service outage of Miami's Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions (CBTS) connection, caused the loss of Internet, according to McVey. She said the fact both systems were down at the same time is puzzling.

"We're scratching our heads about how it could have possibly happened," she said. "We're waiting to hear from the two services to understand."

McVey said she believes the chances of another incident occurring are minimal.


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