10G Networking Technology Implemented at NCAR

This map shows the sites and connections of the National LambdaRail (NLR), a high-performance network infrastructure totally owned, operated, and controlled by the Research and Education Community. A primary goal of the NLR is to bring together networking research communities to solve complex challenges of network architecture, end-to-end performance, and scaling. Having supported this project since its inception in 2001, NETS applied this knowledge and expertise to several other major networking efforts.

There is tremedous activity in the national and global networking environment moving to 10Gb/s connectivity. NETS has participated in three major projects in this area. NETS formed a Front Range GigaPop (FRGP) consortium to connect to the National LambdaRail (NLR) at 10Gb/s and successfully activated that service in FY 2006. Next, NETS led the effort to connect NCAR to the NSF Teragrid at 10Gb/s. NETS then upgraded the connectivity within the NCAR computer room to 10Gb/s, including the link from Boulder to the FRGP in Denver. These upgrades will provide an order of magnitude improvement in connectivity for UCAR scientists and users.

NETS will work with the FRGP and the NCAR/UCAR research communities to expand and enhance the use of NLR by utilizing all of the advanced capabilities available such as dedicated bandwidth.

These projects support NCAR's strategic priority of "Developing and providing advanced services and tools." This work is funded by the FRGP and through the UCAR Communications Pool indirect funds.