University of Connecticut adds 100G fiber-optic network connections

Researchers at the University of Connecticut (UConn) now have access to 100-Gbps connectivity via the Internet2 fiber-optic network backbone. The new capabilities come via cooperation among The Connecticut Education Network (CEN), the state, the university, and Internet2.

The high-speed network connectivity will facilitate data intensive research collaboration and exchange among peers at both national and international institutions, the university anticipates.

"The robust CEN-Internet2 network expands the boundaries of science that researchers can explore," says Jeff Seemann, vice president for research at UConn. "It forms the foundation for enhanced collaboration among research institutions and advanced utilization of consolidated high-tech resources and services within the state. Especially as high-performance integration of compute and big data become critical to emerging initiatives in the biosciences, improvements to the network enable the scientific breakthroughs that are of strategic importance to the economy of Connecticut."

The Internet2 Network offers high-speed connectivity to the research and education community across the United States (see "Internet2 launches virtual Internet network architecture"). The organization installed a new access point in Hartford, CT, to facilitate the UConn 100G Layer 2/Layer 3 connection. Connections to the UConn Health Center, Storrs, CT, and other CEN campuses were upgraded as well.

"UConn approached Internet2 because their data-intensive research needs were growing exponentially each year and, as a result, they needed a superior network to carry out their work," said Rob Vietzke, vice president of network services at Internet2. "UConn is now directly connected to the most advanced global fabric of research facilities available, which will enable the university to accelerate its cutting-edge research in biological and physical sciences."

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