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In its first partnership with a university, networking industry leader Cisco Systems has entered a multimillion-dollar agreement with WSU's College of Engineering for WSU to become a top university for studying and solving networking problems.

Cisco announced last week its initial commitment of about $2 million, and an additional $6 million over the next three years, for WSU to run a technology research center.

Since June, 70 electrical and computer engineering students have been troubleshooting, diagnosing and solving Cisco computer network problems. The 11 students who are expected to graduate in the spring have already been offered positions with Cisco, according to Ravi Pendse, associate vice president for academic affairs and research who was instrumental in securing the contract.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for students for their employment," said Pendse.

Pendse, an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering, has been working with Cisco Systems since 1997, heading up research projects funded by the networking industry giant.

Up until this summer, WSU students interested in networking have had to run simulations of networking issues. Now they are able to get hands-on problem-solving experience.

With the equipment Cisco provided for the Advanced Networking Research Center, located in 334 Wallace Hall, the WSU students who staff the center can remotely connect to networks and help solve problems, said Pendse. They also can troubleshoot and diagnose problems online and via e-mail.

Students working in the center will also be able to go through CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certification, the highest and most rigorous level of certification for networking professionals.

While the certification is offered by Cisco, it is recognized industry-wide, and is coveted because it assures an individual of a six-figure salary, said Pendse.

Cisco Systems will pick up the $2,300 tab for the written and lab exams for the students currently working in the research center, plus Cisco will offer the exam here at WSU, said Pendse.

While students will have the opportunity to work at Cisco, some may choose to work at other companies needing their skills, including local companies such as Engenio, SKT Communications and the major aircraft companies, said Pendse, noting the far-reaching benefits of this unique partnership.

Pendse said the creation of this lab is also a great recruitment tool for WSU because the lab is the only one of its kind in the world to offer a hands-on education in computer networking.

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