SURF and DFN, Germany’s national research and education network, are now sharing optical spectrum via fibre-optic infrastructure across national borders. For SURF’s member institutions, this means greater flexibility in international connectivity. This facilitates access to shared research facilities and the exchange of large volumes of data across borders.
By exchanging two sets of routes, SURF and DFN are strengthening cross-border connectivity between the Netherlands and Germany and making more efficient use of the infrastructure already available within the research and education community. In a broader sense, the agreement is a building block in a larger European and global ecosystem of research and education networks. Its strength lies in federated collaboration: bilateral, regional and pan-European initiatives reinforce one another.
Spectrum sharing: independence on shared routes
The collaboration between SURF and DFN is based on spectrum sharing. As each organisation is permitted to operate its own optical equipment on shared routes, this model combines the efficient use of existing physical infrastructure with operational independence. For NRENs such as SURF and DFN, this provides an important foundation for strong, flexible and future-proof connectivity across borders.
Connections remain available at all times
By sharing spectrum, the two NRENs make part of the optical spectrum on their fibre-optic routes available to each other, whilst each network retains control over its own optical network equipment. Under the agreement, SURF provides access to the Amsterdam–Hamburg and Amsterdam–Aachen routes, whilst DFN provides access to the Hamburg–Frankfurt and Frankfurt–Aachen routes. For SURF, the increased route diversity means that Frankfurt can serve as a backup location for internet connectivity, thereby strengthening the resilience of the SURF network. For DFN, Amsterdam also offers an advantage: it adds an extra location for international connectivity, thereby further enhancing the network’s flexibility.
A cross-border fibre-optic strategy
Ensuring and expanding access to European and global research infrastructure is a key part of SURF’s fibre-optic strategy, which extends beyond national borders. By working directly with neighbouring NRENs on shared routes and capacity, we strengthen our international network whilst retaining control over the infrastructure and equipment that are essential to our services.
Federal cooperation in Europe and beyond
The agreement complements connections with other national research and education networks, including partners in the Scandinavian countries via NORDUnet, and the pan-European GÉANT network. NRENs take responsibility for national infrastructures and communities, whilst collaborating across borders on shared capacity, interoperability, innovation and trust. GÉANT plays a key role as a pan-European connector and facilitator within this federation, linking European NRENs with one another and with research networks worldwide.
Cost-effectiveness
The collaboration also contributes to cost-efficiency. Rather than building or purchasing each international connection separately, SURF and DFN make better use of the infrastructure already in place within the research and education community. This ensures that the infrastructure remains in shared use and creates scope for innovation, experimentation and capacity expansion in the future.
A strong digital hub in Amsterdam
DFN has installed networking equipment at Nikhef, close to NetherLight, SURF’s Global Exchange Point for research and education. Together, this strengthens Amsterdam’s role as a digital hub, connecting Dutch research and education with European and international partners in the fields of science, education and innovation.
Are you interested in our international network?
Would you like to find out more about spectrum sharing, cross-border connectivity or SURF’s international network strategy? Please contact Karin Wessel: karin.wessel@surf.nl .
