SURF is building the new generation of the SURF network: SURFnet Infinity. The successor to SURFnet8. Previous generations, from SURFnet1 through SURFnet8, were heavily defined by the choice of a single network vendor. With SURFnet Infinity, SURF is opting for a vendor-independent architecture based on open standards, so that the network can continue to evolve without restriction: hence the name Infinity, and not SURFnet9.
Technical Product Manager Max Mudde previously wrote this article about it.
In this article, you can read how the migration project was set up, what is happening now, and what steps will follow.
What we already did
Last year, we made two important decisions regarding the configuration of this new network. HPE was selected for the backbone and border domains, and Salumanus for the optical transceivers. Construction is now beginning: the core, IP peering, and metro sites. The optical layer and access sites will follow at a later stage.
What is happening now
Through July 2026: construction of new core
The core of the new network is being built at four new core locations: Delft, Eindhoven, Amsterdam, and Zwolle. During the same period, we are implementing redundancy on the fiber optic routes between these locations, ensuring that every core location is fully redundantly connected to the other three.
This construction is proceeding entirely parallel to the existing SURFnet8. There is no impact on current services.
From July 2026: IP peering migration
Starting in July, we will transfer IP peering—SURF’s external internet connectivity—to the new network. To do this, we will install new peering routers that will be redundantly connected to both SURFnet8 and the new network. Subsequently, we will migrate the peering functionality in phases from the current SURFnet8 routers to the new routers.
From September 2026: metro locations migration
Starting in September, we will migrate the metro locations step by step. At each location, we will install two new routers: one router that will be redundantly connected to two core locations and to which the access rings will be linked, and one router to which existing access ports will be migrated.
Impact on members
The development of the new core has no impact on service delivery.
The migration of the metro locations requires slightly more effort: during the work, access rings and access ports will be temporarily interrupted and subsequently connected to the new hardware. As a result, institutions will temporarily have less redundancy, while service delivery remains available.
The result is a connection to a network with higher capacity, better fault isolation, and more flexibility for future upgrades.
Each member will receive its own ticket prior to the work, containing an explanation of the schedule and the expected impact.
More information and updates
All project information regarding SURFnet Infinity can be found on the project page on the wiki. More project updates and a number of technical blogs regarding the setup of the new network will follow in the coming months.