The Works of DANTE - Issue 5

GÉANT2 Network status update

 As of February 2006, 15 SDH routes are now fully installed and operational. Seven of the 18 dark fibre links are also now live, delivering greater control over performance and costs than traditional networking methods. An additional five dark fibre links are currently under test and should be operational shortly. In total 44 links make up the initial topology. 

"Building the first international hybrid network of its kind is a massive technical challenge," said Marian Garcia Vidondo, DANTE’s Operations Manager. "Above all, it has been important to ensure continuity of service as we migrate the connected national research and education networks from GÉANT to GÉANT2. Through extensive testing and stringent quality control we are ensuring that GÉANT’s reputation for excellence is maintained during this transition."

The GÉANT2 network is the largest ever built for the European research and academic community and offers unrivalled geographical coverage, high bandwidth, innovative hybrid networking technology and a range of user-focused services. The network interconnects with other world regions, enabling global collaboration. GÉANT2 will offer point-to-point services to projects such as DEISA, to connect distributed computing centres with high capacity links at a far lower cost than running a private network.

A new leaflet on GÉANT2’s point-to-point connections is in production and will be available shortly. An electronic version will be available from the GÉANT2 Media Centre, at www.geant2.net/media