The Works of DANTE - Issue 2

GÉANT2 Status Report

Network Status Report

The procurement for network elements of GÉANT2 is progressing successfully. All the initial tender analysis has been completed and work is well advanced with negotiations and final short-listing. Two separate tender activations were implemented. The first dealt with connectivity, including wavelength and dark fibre connectivity as well as more traditional SDH connectivity. The second tender deals with switching and transmission equipment. In relation to transmission systems, considerable effort has been expended in understanding the technical detail and the economics of lighting dark fibre. We are at the point where we can, on a per-route basis determine whether there is a case for the direct implementation of DWDM systems by the project.

It is apparent, today, that we will be able to build a network based on a pool of 10Gbps wavelengths interconnecting a set of switches to be deployed at nodes in the GÉANT2 network. These will be interconnected to the existing router base to support IP services, but will also offer direct access to other services based on wavelength and Gigabit-Ethernet technology. Thus the design objective of creating a hybrid network, capable of offering point-to-point connectivity, in addition to a standard IP service, will be achieved from day 1 of the new network.

The basic architectural assumptions have been discussed and agreed with a group of engineering experts from the NREN’s. Work is continuing with lab-tests of the switching and transmission technology to ensure that the claimed functionality actually works. It is envisaged that the final technical and commercial analysis can be completed in January 2005, enabling final procurement decisions to be made during February.