2020-August: Removal of the ISDN Backup System

We have received word that UCO is discontinuing its program to provide ISDN backups to its remote observing sites.  This UCO program has been paying for the ISDN connection at the Keck summit as well, so this means that the ISDN backup connection to Keck will be terminated at the end of this month.  All sites can terminate their ISDN service as it will no longer be a viable backup.  No action is required, but sites are encouraged to contact their network provider to make sure they are no longer charged for the service if it is not going to be used.

Mahalo to UCO for creating and funding the ISDN backup system which has been in place for essentially the entirety of remote observing at Keck.  ISDN provided an independent network path which enabled reliable remote operation, but the technology is no longer mainstream and it became difficult for local telecom companies to support.  Fortunately, overall network reliability has increased significantly since remote observing at Keck was initiated.