TEIN2 - Overview
The TEIN2 project began in spring 2004, with the objective of improving research and education IP connectivity between Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions, and within Asia-Pacific for the benefit of developing ASEM countries. Demand for the initiative was clearly established by the high use of the original Trans-Eurasia Information Network link between Korea and France (known as TEIN1), which was upgraded to 34Mbps and then to 155 Mbps to meet demand.
TEIN2 is largely funded by the European Commission, and supported by a number of Asian and European partners. After planning studies and a major procurement programme, the first links came into service in December 2005. The network was fully deployed during the first half of 2006.
TEIN2 is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration. Connectivity prices in the region are still extremely high. The implementation of a network that meets the original specified requirements is a testament to the resourcefulness and generosity of its partners, and their vision in seizing the opportunities presented by the TEIN2 programme.
TEIN2 has had a significant effect on national research and education in the “beneficiary” countries - those countries that are eligible for EC funding. Several partner countries have launched, re-launched or substantially developed their national networks in order to take advantage of TEIN2’s connectivity.
TEIN2 also connects non-beneficiary partners, who are participating at their own cost. Australia, Japan, Korea and Singapore all are active members of TEIN2. These partners are bearing additional cost burdens or donating connectivity and operational support which ensure the network is high capacity and resilient. A number of other countries are interested in joining, which will expand Asian coverage. The National Science Foundation-funded Transpac 2 is also involved in TEIN2, making it a unique example of harmonious global co-operation in research networking.
In addition, use of the network for collaborative applications is growing rapidly. TEIN2 is already supporting collaborations in the following fields:
- Tele-medicine: the TEIN2 link to Vietnam has provided strong support to the partnership between the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi in the fields of paediatrics and cranio-facial treatment.
- E-learning: a digital video transfer system (DVTS) supported by TEIN2 is permitting high-quality streaming of live surgery from operating theatres to remote classroom settings. A two-way audio feed alongside the video link allows immediate interaction between trainees and surgeons.
- Disaster warning, oceanographic research and climate modelling: scientists at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology are now able to collaborate with other geographically dispersed teams of researchers, sharing data-intensive models, and interactively examining them.
Thanks to the successful deployment and positive support of partners, planning is underway for a long-term extension of the programme, to be known as TEIN3. It is intended that this will expand the network to meet the increasing demands of users across the region, and to achieve a sustainable operating model.
If you are interested in learning more about the aims and approach of TEIN2, please visit the TEIN2 website via the link in the top right-hand corner of this page.
