The Florida Atlantic University unveiled the Tecore (News - Alert) Networks Wireless Laboratory at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, inaugurating its new College of Engineering and Computer Science building. Expected to be the first academic building in the State of Florida designed and built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum level standards, this new 97,000 sq. ft., "living learning laboratory" will include a live mobile network used for demonstration and testing purposes in the most prevalent standards, including GSM and CDMA.

The laboratory will allow students, faculty and representatives of major cellular carriers to collaborate on education, research and development of innovative new services, and applications such as Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Managed Access. A donation of more than $1 million by Tecore Networks was used to fund R & D and general lab operational expenses, making the Tecore Networks Wireless Laboratory the first multi-technology learning center supporting higher education in the United States.

“As the premier showcase in the State of Florida for the latest innovations in sustainability, our ‘living-learning laboratory’ is the ideal environment for education and research in the technologies which power our economy and society,” said Karl K. Stevens, Dean of the College of Engineering & Computer Science at FAU, in a statement. “As wireless is clearly an industry with tremendous and increasing significance in the world, we deeply appreciate Tecore’s contribution of an entire laboratory dedicated to this critical area of technology.”

“Technology continues to be a bedrock element of American competitiveness, and we need to ensure that future generations are prepared to maintain that strength for the long term,” said Tecore’s President and CEO, as well as FAU alumnus and Hall of Fame inductee, Jay Salkini, in a statement. “FAU provided me with the technical education that helped me launch my career. I am delighted to be able to give back to my alma mater by providing a platform for today’s students to further their education in an applied manner.”

Rahul Arora is a TMCnet contributor. He has worked as an editor and freelance writer for several reputed organizations in India. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Jaclyn Allard