Internet2 moving forward with network build-out

Internet2 announced Wednesday that it deployed and activated a segment of its new high bandwidth network in and around Pennsylvania.

The MAGPI advanced networking hub at the University of Pennsylvania is now connected to Internet2’s 100Gbps network. The hub connects 12 universities throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey to Internet2’s new network, which is being built by Level3.

MAGPI participating universities have been active in the development of tele-immersion, distributed telepathology and a number of international education and outreach projects.

Internet2 is a consortium of research and higher education bodies working on advanced networking technologies and applications. It announced in May that it would replace its aging Abilene network with a new backbone offering a lot more bandwidth. The group says its new Level 3 network will offer educational institutions 10 times more bandwidth than its previous backbone.

Level 3 is deploying Infinera’s Digital Optical Networking gear to support the next generation network. Internet2 also is deploying Ciena CoreDirector Multiservice Switches to support sub-wavelength grooming services. Juniper T640 routers will support IP capabilities.

The first segment of the new network was lit in December and connects universities that are part of the NYSERNet research and education network consortium in New York State.

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